UNC vs. Minnesota weather updates: Week 1 matchup delayed by threat of severe storms

The first matchup between FBS programs in Week 1 is also expected to be one of the weekend's most competitive.

North Carolina faces Minnesota in Fox's showcase game Thursday night, with the Tar Heels looking to start the post-Drake Maye era in grand fashion against a Big Ten hopeful.

North Carolina is a slight road favorite, but there is an added element of unpredictability around the matchup because of quarterback uncertainty. Former FCS standout Max Brosner is making his Minnesota debut, while the Tar Heels may use two quarterbacks — Max Johnson and Conner Harrell — after training camp failed to produce a clear-cut starter.

One more layer of chaos could enter the fray: weather. Severe storms are set to impact kickoff time in Minnesota and could linger into the game.

Here's a look at the latest weather updates ahead of Thursday's matchup.

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UNC vs. Minnesota weather updates

North Carolina and Minnesota will kick off at 9 p.m. ET, rather than the previously scheduled 8 p.m. slot, due to the threat of storms.

Lightning began in the Minneapolis area shortly after kickoff was officially delayed, and storms are expected to be at their worst between 7-9 p.m. ET.

The Golden Gophers have played through plenty of tough weather conditions over the years, as have just about every Big Ten team, but the line in virtually all sports is drawn at lightning. It's not considered safe for players or fans to be exposed when lightning is present, and they won't be taking aby chances at Huntington Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Of course, that could mean kickoff will be delayed even further. While the forecast calls for improvement before 9 p.m. ET, some lingering lightning would be enough to extend a delay. Storms do look like they will taper off at some point, so the game should still be played Thursday.

Rough weather tends to benefit teams with a strong running game. Typically that's Minnesota, but North Carolina has one of the nation's best running backs in Omarion Hampton and could go to him often if rain persists Thursday night.

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UNC vs. Minnesota weather forecast

There is a 94% chance of thunderstorms at 8 p.m. ET in Minneapolis, with rain, wind and lightning expected in the area, according to The Weather Channel .

The outlook improves a bit at that point, with a 56% chance at 9 p.m. ET and a 62% chance at 10 p.m. ET before tapering off ahead of midnight ET.

While the worst might pass before the adjusted kickoff time, that means weather can and likely will still impact the game. Winds, however, are set to die down after 8 p.m. ET, so the decision to push the start time back may prove to be the right call.

Temperatures are expected to hover in the low 70s throughout the game.