Minnesota-North Carolina weather updates: Football game delayed to inclement weather
Week 1 of the 2024 college football season is underway on Thursday.
However, one of Thursday's games, North Carolina at Minnesota, is delayed due to inclement weather in Minneapolis. The game initially had an 8 p.m. ET kickoff, but the Tar Heels and Gophers will kick off their respective seasons at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.
Also in the state, NC State football’s 2024 season opener vs. Western Carolina has also been delayed due to lightning.
REQUIRED READING: College football season predictions: Picks for who makes playoff, wins title and more
The only game Thursday between "Power Four" teams presents a chance for Minnesota to bounce back from a 31-13 loss to UNC last season. However, quarterback Drake Maye has moved on from the Tar Heels, and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Max Johnson and Conner Harrell are expected to take quarterback snaps for the Tar Heels against the Golden Gophers. New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer is the starter for Minnesota.
Follow along here for live weather updates:
UNC vs Minnesota football weather updates
This section will be updated. All times Eastern.
9:10 p.m.: Minnesota-UNC kicked off with the Gophers receiving first. The Tar Heels forced a three-and-out.
8:54 p.m.: Kickoff is scheduled just a few minutes from now, following the delay due to lightning.
Finally opened the stadium for UNC @ Minnesota. Kickoff holding at 8:01pm CT / 9:01pm ET. pic.twitter.com/RtrWuC4bp1
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) August 29, 2024
7:26 p.m.: UNC football players have arrived at the stadium for the game.
Heels are here 📍 #CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/67SuU3SVGl
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 29, 2024
7:24 p.m.: The Minnesota football account tweeted that lightning had cleared the area.
UPDATE: Lightning in the area has cleared.
Gopher Garden on Oak Street is back open. The Gopher spirit rally set for 6:40 pm has been canceled. https://t.co/lNhcUgAL7U— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 29, 2024
4:45 p.m.: The season-opener of UNC football vs. Minnesota has been delayed due to inclement weather. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
Due to inclement weather in the area, our game with Minnesota will now kickoff at 9 pm ET / 8 pm CT. #CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/eThwhIbsrk
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 29, 2024
Hourly weather updates for UNC football vs Minnesota
All times Eastern
According to Weather.com, "strong storms" with damaging hail and strong winds will continue in the area until 8 p.m., with thunderstorms continuing through 9 p.m.
7 p.m.: Strong storms, 88% chance of rain
8 p.m.: Strong storms, 84% chance of rain
9 p.m.: Thunderstorms, 86% chance of rain
10 p.m.: Rain, 62% chance of rain
11 p.m.: Cloudy, 15% chance of rain
Midnight: Cloudy, 5% chance of rain
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota-UNC weather updates: Latest on football game after delay