Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Highest listed rain chance in the game window is 89%.
Bring a rain layer and check delay updates before leaving.
Tickets, team gear, and weather gear should support the forecast, not distract from it.
Citi Field hosts a National League showdown Monday night as the Mets (34–42) welcome the Cubs (40–37) for a 7:10 PM first pitch — and the National Weather Service is forecasting showers and thunderstorms likely for the entire day, with a 70% precipitation chance that could follow fans straight into the evening.
Game Weather Bottom Line
Plan for a wet one. The NWS forecast for June 22 calls for showers and thunderstorms likely, with a daytime high near 75°F dropping to around 71°F by afternoon and continuing to fall into the evening hours. Precipitation probability hits 70% for the day, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. East winds of 3 to 14 mph keep it from feeling stifling, but humidity and cloud cover will make 68°F feel damp and cool once the sun goes down. This is not a game to leave rain gear on the kitchen counter.
Rain Delay And Wind Risk
With thunderstorms likely throughout the day and a 70% rain chance, Monday night’s first pitch is at real risk of a delay. MLB holds play for lightning — not just rain — so if afternoon storms are still pushing through the metro at 7:10 PM, expect the umpires to wait it out. East winds gusting to 14 mph won’t blow the ball around the way a stiff Flushing breeze can, but they’ll accelerate the wind-chill effect once darkness falls. Check the National Weather Service forecast Monday afternoon before you leave — the timing of these systems matters.
What To Wear And Bring
- Layer up: Game-time temps will likely sit in the upper 60s°F. A long-sleeve layer under your New York Mets jersey is smart once the wind picks up after sunset.
- Rain cover is mandatory: Pack a stadium rain poncho — a folded poncho in your bag takes up almost no space and will save the night if storms linger at first pitch.
- Protect your gear: A waterproof stadium bag keeps your phone, wallet, and snacks dry and meets Citi Field’s clear bag policy. Both the gear and the policy — worth checking before you pack.
- Skip the white sneakers: Wet ramps and concourse floors get slippery fast.
- Hat: A New York Mets fitted cap pulls double duty as rain cover and team loyalty signal.
Tailgating And Arrival Window
Weeknight games at Citi Field fill the lots earlier than you’d expect, and Monday’s storm threat makes timing even more important. If you’re driving, aim to arrive by 5:30 PM — you want to beat both the parking crunch and any pre-game squall activity. Leave buffer time; if a storm cell rolls through right at 6:00 PM, you’d rather be inside the stadium than stuck on the Van Wyck.
Subway riders have the edge here: the 7 train to Mets–Willets Point runs rain or shine, but build in extra time for Monday afternoon slowdowns. If you’re tailgating in the lots, keep your setup flexible — grass areas can turn muddy fast. Move valuables into a waterproof stadium bag and scope out the covered areas near the gates as your backup shelter if storms hit before gates open.
Tickets, Team Gear, And Useful Links
Still need a seat? Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub — last-minute rain forecasts sometimes shake loose inventory, so check both before Monday night.
Dress for the occasion: a New York Mets jersey or New York Mets t-shirt keeps the home faithful locked in, and a New York Mets fitted cap does double duty as rain cover. For the forecast specifically, a stadium rain poncho and a waterproof stadium bag are the two pieces of gear most likely to determine whether you have a great night or a miserable one.
The Mets come in at 34–42, looking to stop a one-game slide against a Cubs club at 40–37 that has been the stronger team on paper. NL games with playoff implications still hovering in the background have a way of playing big. Get there early, stay dry, and let’s go Mets.