United States Grand Prix · Analysis
2026 United States Grand Prix: What is the weather forecast?
Austin is forecast to stay hot and dry for practice and qualifying, with a small chance of rain and stronger winds on race day.
The 2026 United States Grand Prix is expected to begin in warm, dry conditions at the Circuit of The Americas, with rain currently forecast only as a possibility on Sunday. Practice and qualifying should take place under clear skies, while race day brings more cloud, a 20% chance of rain and stronger southerly gusts.
Friday opens the weekend’s track action, with 23 October forecast to bring temperatures from 16°C to 29.5°C. Track temperatures could climb above 55°C. Moderate south to southeasterly winds are expected to average around 10 km/h, with occasional gusts reaching 30 km/h. No rain is forecast for either practice session.
For more weekend details, see the United States GP tyre preview and the updated Circuit of The Americas track map.
Saturday should remain dry for qualifying
Warm conditions are also expected on 24 October, when FP3 and qualifying take place. Temperatures are forecast to range from 17°C in the morning to 29.5°C in the afternoon, with track temperatures again likely to exceed 55°C after early sunshine.
Cloud cover is expected to build through the day, but no precipitation is forecast. Winds should average 15 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 35 km/h. The outlook therefore points to dry conditions for both the final practice session and qualifying.
Race day brings the weekend’s only rain risk
Sunday’s forecast is less settled. On 25 October, temperatures are expected to range from 19°C to a listed maximum of 28°C, while increasing cloud accompanies a 20% chance of rain. A storm system emerging across the Central U.S. Plains may also strengthen southerly winds during the afternoon, with peak gusts of 35-40 km/h.
Track temperatures are projected to reach close to 50°C, though they could rise further if cloud cover is lighter than expected. The forecast leaves the main uncertainty for race day: rain remains unlikely, but the possibility is present, alongside stronger gusts than on Friday or Saturday.
The previous Austin event was warm, with Max Verstappen taking victory. He arrives on a run of wins in Malaysia and Singapore, and is targeting a fifth victory at the circuit.