Cold Weather Could Favor Notre Dame Against Miami
WNDU First Alert Weather analyzed temperatures and results from Notre Dame and Miami's past 15 matchups ahead of tonight's game.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Forecasts
Kickoff temperature for tonight's Notre Dame and Miami game is expected to be near 40 degrees, far colder than Miami's typical November weather. WNDU First Alert Weather reviewed the past 15 meetings between the programs, including game-day temperatures and results.
Why it matters
Temperature can shape how comfortable a game feels for players and fans accustomed to different climates. The historical pattern offers a weather-based lens on a matchup where Miami has won the two most recent meetings.
Records compiled by WNDU First Alert Weather show Miami has won 75% of games played at 70 degrees or higher, while Notre Dame's wins came at temperatures of 70, 44 and 34 degrees. Tonight's kickoff is forecast near 40 degrees, while the average high in South Bend on Nov. 7 is 52 degrees.
The players
WNDU First Alert Weather
WNDU is the NBC affiliate television station serving South Bend, Indiana, and its First Alert Weather team provides local forecasts and weather analysis.
The details
The First Alert Weather team reviewed where each of the 15 matchups was played and recorded either the kickoff temperature or the game-time high. The two most recent meetings, in 2017 and 2025, were played in Miami Gardens at 78 and 77 degrees, respectively, and Miami won both.
Timeline
1983-2025: Notre Dame and Miami played 15 matchups in this period.
November 7, 2026: Notre Dame and Miami kickoff with temperature near 40 degrees.
Seasonal Patterns
The comparison draws on game-day temperature records for a rivalry that has been played in climates ranging from South Bend's late-fall cold to Miami Gardens' warm season. Those records make the seasonal contrast between the two cities concrete for this matchup.
Fans attending tonight's game should plan for near-40-degree kickoff temperatures and dress in layers. Those watching from home can expect the cold conditions to be part of the broadcast context.
The takeaway
Cold conditions are a factor worth weighing alongside team strength when reading this matchup. Historical temperature records give context, though they do not predict the result.
Further reading
For more on local conditions, see the Forecasts section covering South Bend weather.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wndu.
