Masters 2024 weather: Masters first round delayed by at least an hour

Patrons traveling to Augusta National for the first round of The Masters tournament Thursday will need to be prepared for unfavorable weather conditions on the course, as recent predictions call for thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.

In a weather alert issued at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Masters officials said the first round starts at 10:30 a.m. with patron gates opening at 9:30 a.m. The Honorary Starters Ceremony will begin at 10:10 a.m.

The National Weather Service in Columbia predicts a 90% chance of rain Thursday, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.

The weather service on Wednesday issued a wind advisory, active from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.

"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects," the weather service noted in the advisory. "Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult. Use extra caution."

Patrons should bring a rain jacket or umbrella to the course if they want to stay dry. If they happen to forget, a Masters umbrella can be purchased at the tournament for $45.

In the event of inclement weather, Augusta National will post a weather warning sign on scoreboards and message boards.

When then sign appears, patrons are advised to avoid:

• Bodies of water
• Golf carts
• Hilltops and high places
• Isolated trees
• Open areas
• Wire fences

Suspension of play will be signaled by an air horn. Patrons should take shelter immediately if they hear the sound.

Here is an in-depth weather forecast for the tournament, according to the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel:

Return to this story for periodic updates that reflect the latest forecast.

Thursday's forecast – April 11 (Round 1)

• Day: Showers and thunderstorms, with a high of 79 degrees. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
• UV index: 8 - very high
• Winds: Up to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 40 mph.
• Night: Cloudy, with a low of 52 degrees. Wind gusts may reach 28 mph.

Friday's forecast – April 12 (Round 2)

• Day: Sunny and breezy, with a high of 73 degrees.
• UV index: 8 - very high
• Winds: Up to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph.
• Night: Clear skies, with a low of 50 degrees.

Saturday's forecast – April 13 (Round 3)

• Day: Sunny, with a high of 78 degrees.
• UV index: 8 - very high
• Winds: Up to 10 mph
• Night: Clear skies, with a low of 53 degrees.

Sunday's forecast – April 14 (Round 4)

• Day: Sunny, with a high of 86 degrees.
• UV index: 9 - very high
• Winds: Up to 10 mph
• Night: Mostly clear skies, with a low of 58 degrees.