NASCAR at Charlotte weather updates: Will rain in forecast delay 2026 Coca-Cola 600?
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NASCAR at Charlotte weather updates: Will rain in forecast delay 2026 Coca-Cola 600? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One of the most highly anticipated NASCAR races of the 2026 season arrives this Sunday.
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The Coca-Cola 600 — iconic for multiple reasons, including being the longest race on the NASCAR schedule and its later-than-usual start — will be one of two significant motorsports events on the day before Memorial Day, coming after the Indianapolis 500.
However, weather could factor into this year's Coca-Cola 600, with rain already canceling Saturday's qualifying.
Here's the latest on the weather for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 and how it could impact the event.
MORE:Full lineup for the 2026 Coca-Cola 600
Coca-Cola 600 weather updates
(All times Eastern)
Saturday, May 23
5:15 p.m. — Weather could also impact Katherine Legge's attempt at the "Double," but she said she's trying not to worry about it.
Asked Katherine Legge about potential rain in both Indy and Charlotte on Sunday, and she said, "What will be will be."
— Zion Brown (@z10nbr0wn) May 22, 2026
She also pondered if The Double would still count if the Coca-Cola 600 is moved to Monday. #Indy500#NASCARpic.twitter.com/oLxZPeWjGg
4:59 p.m. — As things are currently looking, there appears to at least be a chance of weather impacting the Coca-Cola 600.
The National Weather Service is projecting a 30% chance of rain during the day on Sunday, but a 70% chance by the evening. Because the race has a later 6 p.m. ET start, it could prove difficult for NASCAR to find dry patches in the weather to get the track ready for racing.
AccuWeather projects an overall 55% chance of rain on Sunday, also writing that "thunderstorms could impact the race." However, even if it does rain, it isn't expected to be heavy precipitation. AccuWeather listed an overall precipitation on Sunday of just 0.1 inches of rain.
Saturday's qualifying was already canceled due to heavier rain in Charlotte.
4:30 PM ET @CLTMotorSpdwy#weather update - 63°F, 94% humidity, northerly winds, 6 mph
— RaceWeather (@RaceWeather) May 23, 2026
Looking ahead to a 5 PM ET NOAPS start time. Next set of rain is about 25 miles south of the track, moving on northerly track at 25-30 mph. They should start on time but not sure how long… pic.twitter.com/m45uqQHrji
Coca-Cola 600 weather forecast
- Chance of rain (Sunday): 30%
- Chance of rain (Sunday night): 70%
Sunday's forecast as of May 23: "Chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms."