The US Open in Flushing, New York, may have to dodge thunderstorms and rain delays through Thursday, but then better weather sets in for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Consecutive days of delays

The fourth and final grand slam tournament of the year in pro tennis got off to a bit of a bumpy weather start Sunday.

Rain suspended five matches on the outer courts, pushing them into Monday.

But Sunday night's marathon match in which four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic was upset by Mariano Navone was played under a closed roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Unfortunately, on Monday evening, more storms rolled in, delaying several more matches for those on outdoor courts.

Then on Tuesday, rain delayed the start of play for almost four hours.

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Stormy headaches

Unfortunately, the threat of showers and thunderstorms is in play in the Northeast through Thursday.

Some of these storms could pack strong winds, flooding downpours, even hail and could lead to additional rain delays on the outer courts.

Better weather ahead

After Thursday, the weather improves.

Cooler and drier air will pour southward, with more sun than clouds on Friday.

We can't completely rule out a shower or two this holiday weekend, but the rain chances are quite low.

Highs this weekend will top out mainly in the 70s, more typical of early September.

And it will feel refreshingly dry, with much lower humidity, which should help both players and fans.

(MORE: US Open forecast details)

Going to the matches?

If you have tickets to the matches, our advice depends on when you're going:

• Through Thursday: Bring rain gear, just in case.
• Friday through Labor Day: Enjoy great weather conditions. If you're staying for late matches, you might want to bring a light long-sleeve shirt or pullover, in case the late night breezes are a little cooler than you've been accustomed to this summer.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.