Rain may force closure of NRG Stadium roof on Super Bowl Sunday

Mild conditions along with the chance for showers will mark the days leading up to Super Bowl LI in Houston.

The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons will square off at NRG Stadium to become Super Bowl champions. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST.

However, NRG Stadium features a retractable roof, so any inclement weather will not pose a threat to the quality or outcome of the game.

Even though the game will be sheltered, the week leading up to the Super Bowl features numerous events around the city. One of the biggest is Super Bowl LIVE, a free fan festival that will be held at Discovery Green, a 12-acre park in downtown Houston.

Those who are headed to Houston and are planning to spend time going to festivities around town should be prepared for some rain.

Temperatures on Friday and Saturday will settle into the lower 60s, with evening temperatures dropping into the upper 40s and 50s.

There will be the chance for some spotty showers to dampen festivities on Saturday.

On Super Bowl Sunday, it will be warmer with highs in the middle to upper 70s and more clouds than sun.

"A few scattered showers will develop in the Houston area as well, which could potentially impact pre-game festivities and parties going on outdoors," AccuWeather Meteorologist Mike Doll said

The NFL reportedly wants to keep the stadium roof open for the game, assuming the weather is suitable, according to the Associated Press.

The league will not make a final decision on whether the roof will be open or closed until Saturday.

In order for the roof to be opened, typically temperatures must be below 78 and above 65, and there must be no rain in the forecast, CBS Houston reported.

“If the weather cooperates with us, which we hope it does, the roof will be open,” Eric Finkelstein, NFL director of events, told the AP.

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