AccuWeather.com

By Dan DePodwin, Meteorologist

Oct 22, 2011; 3:53 PM ET

Share |

Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton hits an RBI sacrifice flyball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning of Game 2 of baseball's World Series Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

After a cool, autumnal beginning to the Fall Classic in St. Louis, Mo., the World Series shifts to a warmer, but potentially stormy Arlington, Texas, tonight.

The first two games of the World Series were played in chilly conditions with temperatures in the 40s. A bit of rain and wind added to the dismal conditions. The blustery weather pattern in St. Louis was due to a potent low pressure area--a reminder that fall has reached much of the country.

About 550 miles south of St. Louis, summer is still in full swing across the state of Texas. A first pitch temperature of 75 degrees for Game 3 along with a breeze will make it much more comfortable for fans than the first two games.

However, a disturbance approaching the region will combine with warm and humid air to spark strong thunderstorms tonight. Although the majority of the active weather should remain north and east of the ballpark in Arlington, a thunderstorm could delay the game and clear the stands for a period of time.

Any thunderstorms that do develop late today could produce large hail and damaging wind gusts over 60 mph in addition to heavy downpours and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.

A lengthy rain delay in the early innings could be detrimental for both teams. The starting pitchers (Lohse vs. Harrison) might not be able to return to the mound following a delay due to sitting for a prolonged period of time. This would lead to extensive bullpen use, leaving few pitchers for the later innings.

Starting pitchers are not used to sitting long stretches between innings and any excessive wait time can lead to stiffness and potential injury.

On the offensive side, Texas' ballpark is more hitter-friendly than St. Louis and the baseball will travel better in the warm and humid conditions. These factors could help spark the offenses of both teams which have amassed just eight runs combined in two games.

Looking ahead to Games 4 and 5 in Texas, outstanding baseball weather is expected. Temperatures will remain warm with first pitch temperatures in the mid to upper 70s while rain and thunderstorms will not be a factor. Daytime high temperatures may approach record levels (near 90 degrees) by Monday and Tuesday.

Barring a three-game sweep by the Rangers, the series will return to St. Louis for Games 6 and 7. At this point, AccuWeather is forecasting similar conditions to Games 1 and 2. In other words, cool and wet.