America’s Cup: What weather to expect

Selecting the venue for the 35th America’s Cup is a potpourri of considerations. The sailing venue must be close to shore to fulfill fan interest and sponsor fulfillment, and while sailing conditions are important, so is local enthusiasm and commercial interest.

The finalists are Bermuda, Chicago, and San Diego. Using PredictWind.com and Weather.com, here is the three day forecast for the finalists on June 13-15, 2014:

Bermuda:
A relatively steady forecast, with wind direction between 170 and 200 degrees. The wind on Friday is 5-10 knots and increasing slightly through Sunday. Temperature is in the low 70s, humidity is 90%, and there is a chance of rain.

Chicago:
This forecast provides the greatest change, with wind direction between 60 and 290 degrees. Wind strength on Friday is 15-18 knots, down to 6-8 on Saturday and up to 18+ on Sunday. Temperature is in the low 70s, humidity is 50-66% with isolated thunderstorms on Sunday.

San Diego:
A relatively steady forecast, with wind direction between 240 and 280 degrees. The wind on Friday is 9-12 knots and decreasing slightly through Sunday. Temperature is in the low 70s, humidity is 65%, and there is no chance of rain.

Note: Forecast as of 0730 on June 12, 2014.