The threat of an evening thunderstorm has spurred McNeese State University officials to change the time of the Cowboys’ home football game with Lamar to 2 p.m.

“We feel this gives us a much better chance to get the complete game in,” said McNeese Athletic Director Bruce Hemphill. “Our first concern is the safety of the general public, our players and fans.”

Several other universities have also changed game times, including the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UL-Monroe, Rice and Stephen F. Austin.

The storm is expected to bring 13⁄4 inches of rain, said Jonathan Brazzell, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

“The chance of rain will start to increase in midafternoon, then really ramp up for the evening,” he said. “It will rain; it’s guaranteed.”

Lightning and winds of 58 mph or greater may accompany the storm, which will bring a slight dip in temperatures, Brazzell said. Winds as high as 40 mph can bring down trees, he said.

Rain is expected to continue throughout the night, before the system moves out, Brazzell said. The chance of rain Sunday morning is 20 percent.

The storm is part of a low-pressure system that is moving east from the West Coast.(MGNonline)