The Los Angeles Dodgers might not berooting for a specific opponent in the NLDS as they await the winner of Game 3 between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, but manager Dave Roberts does have a pretty strong preference regarding when they play Game 1 on Saturday, Oct. 3.
"I would prefer to play at night," Roberts said on Monday, Sept. 28. "As far as who we play, I don't think we really care. But I do think that it's going to be a hot weekend, and to play at night would certainly be more beneficial."
That's not entirely in the Dodgers' control. Per the broadcast schedule MLB released on Monday, there are two scenarios facing the Dodgers for Saturday: If the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres in their wild card series, the Dodgers would
play at 6:00 p.m. local time. If the Padres win, however, the start time gets moved up to 1:00 pm PT.
That significant jump might be a problem for everybody involved.
Late September/early October is generally considered the hottest time of the year in Los Angeles, as the marine layer that normally protects the region from oppressive heat in the summer months starts to dissipate. Santa Ana winds also factor in, bringing in more heat and adding to the risk during peak wildfire season. Due to El Niño and the effects of climate change, this year is set to be even worse.
Here's what you need to know about the forecast heading into Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 3:
Los Angeles forecast for Saturday, Oct. 3
A week-long heat wave is expected to settle into LA on Friday, with "record breaking temperatures" expected by Saturday, according to AccuWeather. The high at 1000 Vin Scully Avenue is forecasted at 103 degrees with a RealFeel of 106.
"Blazing sunshine and very hot with the temperature approaching the record high of 108 set in 1987," AccuWeather says. "Heat will be dangerous, minimize outdoor activity."
At night, the temperature is predicted to drop to 74 with a slight breeze cooling the RealFeel down by another two degrees.
So yes, the start time can be a significant factor for the Dodgers – and whoever their opponent ends up being – on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Weather for Dodgers, weekend playoffs in LA will be sweltering
