Students definitely have school spirit as the football team has been on its playoff run to the state semifinal game. Although it’s been cold outside, Pattonville students seem to not care when they attend a Pirates football game.

Maybe as important as the sports segment on the 10 p.m. news is the weather forecast.

Students are interested in finding out what it will be like on Saturday at 1 p.m. when the Pirates host Fort Zumwalt North in the state semifinal game.

The forecast for Saturday is a 60 percent chance of rain beginning at 11 a.m. and increasing to 80 percent by noon. Gates for the game open at 11:45 a.m.

The temperature will drop quickly. At 6 a.m. the weather app on the iPhone shows it’s 64 degrees with a 1 p.m. game time temperature of 43 degrees with an 80 percent chance of rain.

By 3 p.m., the chance of rain is decreased to 50 percent but at 4 p.m., a wind advisory is shown in the forecast.

Teams can play a game in a drizzle or light rain, but MSHSAA does have rules for safety regarding thunder and lightning in its sports handbook.

3. Develop criteria for suspension and resumption of play.

• When thunder is heard or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play and take shelter immediately.
• 30-Minute Rule: Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.
• Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count, reset the clock, and another 30-minute count should begin.

Rain played a role in two games last season, but this year, the only weather impact has been the cold.

On Nov. 10 in the state quarterfinal game, it was about 35 degrees when Pattonville traveled to Vianney.

Brooke Jenkins was there and made sure she wore clothes that kept her warm during the 7 p.m. game.

“I go to the games if it’s hot or cold because I’m a big sports fan and the boys are doing well this year.”

The weather forecast does not scare the girls’ varsity basketball player away from the attending the game.

“I don’t care about the weather because other sports within Pattonville should support one another and I believe it’s possible that the football team will be going to state which is a huge opportunity and I get to witness history.” 

The forecast for Saturday afternoon’s game is temperature in the mid-40s with rain.

“That seems a lot better than last Friday, except for the rain part,” Jenkins said. “Although it was 35 degrees, I still went to the game, but for this one, I’m going to bundle up in my weather gear and be ready for anything.”

The game will be live streamed on Facebook Live. Follow PattonvilleTODAY to watch all the action and follow @phsTODAY on Twitter and Instagram for updates when they are available.