49ers to likely play Bills in heavy snow, ‘dangerously cold wind chills’: NWS
Nov 28, 2024
(KRON) -- In last week's 38-10 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers, the 49ers' loss had little to do with the weather at Lambeau Field, also known as "The Frozen Tundra." At kickoff, it was a calm 42 degrees and mostly cloudy in the typical chilly Midwest city.
However, that is likely not the case for the 49ers' matchup in Buffalo this Sunday against the Bills. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), there will be "hazardous weather conditions" as a Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect from Friday, Nov. 29 until Monday, Dec. 2.
The 49ers (5-6) and Bills (9-2) will face off at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York where there will be a 100% chance of precipitation and heavy snow on Sunday, the NWS said. Winds are forecasted to be coming from the west between 10 to 14 mph. The high temperature is listed at around 31 degrees.
San Jose State is disappointed Boise State forfeited but looks forward to volleyball final
WFRV Chief Meteorologist Todd Santos (@ToddSantos4) via X
The San Francisco 49ers huddle during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 11, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the 49ers 19-10. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
"The snow could be heavy at times," the NWS said in its forecast.
The good news is the game's kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET. The snow showers are expected to calm down as the evening goes on. By Sunday night, lows will be around 25 degrees, 60% chance of precipitation and west winds between eight and 13 mph, according to NWS.
While the worst of the blizzard might not be during the actual game, the Highmark Field will likely have gathered inches of snow in the hours leading up to kickoff. Around six inches of snow could have already fallen by kickoff, according to KRON sister station WFRV's Chief Meteorologist Todd Santos.
NWS's forecast is as of 12:40 p.m. PT on Thursday, Nov. 28.
Longtime SF Giant Brandon Crawford announces retirement
Game Background
The last time the 49ers played the Bills was four years ago during the COVID-19-riddled season -- a game Buffalo won 34-24. The 49ers were technically the home team but had to play at State Farm Stadium in Arizona due to pandemic restrictions in Santa Clara County.
The teams have played a total of 13 times, the Bills having a 7-6 series edge.
Coming into Week 13, the 49ers are tied for last in the NFC West, trailing the first-place Seattle Seahawks (6-5) by one game. The Bills lead the AFC East by four games.
For the 49ers, starting quarterback Brock Purdy's status remains unclear as he missed last week's matchup against Green Bay. He continues to nurse an injury to his right throwing shoulder. Purdy was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
San Francisco at Buffalo will be televised on NBC's Sunday Night Football with a 5:20 p.m. PT kickoff.
WFRV's Ben Newhouse contributed to this report.