Mother Nature didn’t declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but that won’t stop her from making her presence felt on Day 3.
Fans and teams are set for the final day of drafting from Pittsburgh, but the sky could be a little emotional with the big event nearing its conclusion. Rain is set to impact the draft on Saturday, April 25 and the forecast might have plenty to say before all the picks can be officially turned in.
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Don’t expect the draft to face a delay or postponement though. After all, football fans are familiar with a little precipitation and less-than-ideal conditions.
Rain wouldn’t be a new thing for the draft either, as it has impacted the event in the past. However, it has never been enough to completely alter the NFL’s plans.
How will the weather impact the Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft? Here’s a look at the forecast and latest weather updates from Pittsburgh as festivities get set to begin.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
The 2026 NFL Draft Theater stage at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
The 2026 NFL Draft Theater stage at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A general overall view of the downtown skyline and Fort Duquesne bridge of the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 22, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Large helmets of the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A general overall view of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Fans watch during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A general overall view of Acrisure Stadium during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan plays a bagpipe in Market Square during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers and Terrible Towel banners in Market Square during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Local military members watch the Q&A session with ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes and Cam Heyward at the USAA NFL Draft event at the City Winery in the Strip District, Thursday, April 23, 2026 ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A Here We Go sign is featured at Steelers Country at the NFL Draft Fan Experience at Point State Park, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Construction crews continue to put the finishing touches on the draft theater Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from outside Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
The NFL Draft Red Carpet at the NFL Draft Fan Experience at Point State Park, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A fan takes video of the Q&A session at the USAA NFL Draft event at the City Winery in the Strip District, Thursday, April 23, 2026 ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers fans pose at a 2026 NFL Draft activation in downtown on April 22, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A City of Pittsburgh River Rescue boat sails along the Allegheny River near Acrisure Stadium during the 2026 NFL Draft on April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A general overall view of 2026 NFL Draft banners on the Roberto Clemente aka Sixth Street bridge on April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A statue of former Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente outside the center field gate of PNC Park on April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A general overall view of large Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts helmet at the 2026 NFL Draft Experience at Acrisure Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
A statue of Pittsburgh Steeles fullback Franco Harris completing the Immaculate Reception at the Pittsburgh International Airport on April 21, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Street banners promoting the 2026 NFL Draft in downtown on April 21, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Duval representing in Pittsburgh as Nikki Mcglockton aka Tally Jag, right, and Jerome Johnson, aka Jaxonball Z, gear up for Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on April 23, 2026.
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Bengals Twins Steve, left, and Jeff, prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026, in downtown Pittsburgh, where they want their team to draft ‘defense, defense, defense.’
Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
Tennessee Titans cheerleaders excited for Round 1 of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
2026 NFL Draft Day 3 weather updates
11:25 a.m. ET: There remains a chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, with showers likely after 1 p.m. ET.
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8:35 a.m. ET: Light rain falls in the Pittsburgh area, with precipitation expected to stop around 3 p.m. Thunderstorms are in the forecast for post 1 p.m. ET, according to the National Weather Service.
Pittsburgh weather forecast for Day 3 of the NFL draft
Showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast before noon ET, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The forecast indicates that showers are likely and there is a possibility of a thunderstorm between noon and 1 p.m. ET.
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There remains a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. ET. High temperatures will approach 70 degrees and wind will be minimal.
The NWS says there is an 80% chance of precipitation with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Is the NFL draft rain or shine?
The NFL draft is considered a rain or shine event.
“NFL events are commonly held in inclement weather,” according to the NFL draft’s frequently asked questions. “Only in the case of extreme weather that threatens public safety will the event potentially be postponed.”
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What time does the NFL draft start today?
Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin at noon ET and should wrap up before 7 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL draft weather updates: Rain may cast cloud over Day 3 in Pittsburgh
