Weather Forecast for Watkins Glen International’s 2026 NASCAR Race Weekend

What’s Happening?

It’s time for the second road course weekend of the 2026 NASCAR season as all three National Series head to Watkins Glen International for a triple-header weekend. So, whether you are going to be at the track or home, what does the forecast look like for the race weekend in Watkins Glen, New York?

• Watkins Glen International is a mainstay of the NASCAR schedule, having served as one of two road courses on the schedule alongside Sonoma until the series 2018 addition of the Charlotte Roval. Unlike other series, NASCAR races on the track’s 2.450-mile short circuit, leaving out the one-mile “boot.”
• The Glen joined the Cup Series schedule in 1957, left until 1964, and again left after 1965 before establishing a streak from 1986 to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the calendar. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series first raced at the track in 1991, missing for the pandemic as well, while the Trucks have a spotty history with scattered dates before their return last season.
• The Glen’s move to the spring was one of the most shocking transitions from 2025 to 2026. Now, the weather is on the minds of everybody, as the track has no history of spring race dates.

Weekend Weather Forecast

• Via the National Weather Service
• All Listed Times ET (Local)

Friday, May 8: Craftsman Truck Series Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at The Glen | 4:30 PM on FS1

Before the Truck Series Race (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 52°F at 4:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 8% Chance at 12:00 PM
• Wind: 7 to 9 MPH

During the Truck Series Race (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 53°F at 5:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 3% Chance at 4:00 PM
• Wind: 5 to 8 MPH

After the Truck Series Race (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 51°F at 7:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 1% Chance
• Wind: 1 to 5 MPH

Saturday, May 9: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at The Glen | 4:00 PM on The CW

Before the OAP Series Race (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 57°F at 4:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 77% Chance at 12:00 PM
• Wind: 10 to 11 MPH

During the OAP Series Race (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 58°F at 7:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 17% Chance at 7:00 PM
• Wind: 8 to 10 MPH

After the OAP Series Race (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 58°F at 7:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 13% Chance at 8:00 PM
• Wind: 7 MPH

Sunday, May 10: Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen | 3:00 PM on FS1

Before the Cup Series Race (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 58°F at 12:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 26% Chance at 2:00 PM
• Wind: 7 to 8 MPH

During the Cup Series Race (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 58°F at 3:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 26% Chance
• Wind: 6 to 8 MPH

After the Cup Series Race (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

• Temperature: High of 53°F at 7:00 PM
• Precipitation Chance: 14% Chance at 8:00 PM
• Wind: 2 to 6 MPH

Note: This article will be updated with a more accurate and detailed forecast as the race weekend nears.