Tailgates for both college and NFL games this weekend face rain and gusty winds from a nor'easter, soaking the Northeast Saturday and Sunday — the top concern for fans in the region. Meanwhile, a separate system could bring a chance of scattered showers to the Plains both days as well. And with the official start of fall, temperatures are finally cooling down. Here's what fans need to know before kickoff.

(WEATHER LABS: Football tailgate forecasts)

As this nor'easter sweeps across the region, fans heading to games throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic should brace for severe winds and driving rain. If you are tailgating, anchor pop-up tents securely—or skip them entirely—to handle gusts pushing past 40 mph. Leave umbrellas at home (high winds will break them) and pack heavy-duty ponchos and waterproof footwear.

Expect travel delays as flooding and high winds are impacting transit along the entire corridor. Localized street flooding, and heavy runoff create serious hydroplaning hazards and unexpected road closures. Leave early, check local route updates before hitting the road, and allow extra time for slower stadium entry in the rain.

Saturday:

Games at risk: Virginia Tech at Boston College, Utah at Iowa State

A nor'easter brings rain to the coast, soaking tailgates in New York, New England and New Jersey and putting several college matchups at risk. Boston is no stranger to bad weather, and Virginia Tech at Boston College sits right in the storm's path.

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Track the latest timing and impacts of the system here.

A separate system brings scattered showers to the Plains, including Des Moines, Kansas City and Omaha — putting Utah's matchup against Iowa State at risk as well.

With fall underway, temperatures are finally cooling down — much relief for Tennessee and the Southeast compared to last week, and the Northeast feeling cool.

College GameDay heads to Knoxville for the matchup between Texas and Tennessee, where fans will see much milder temps compared to last week's brutal heat in the region.

Sunday:

Games at risk: Giants, Steelers and Commanders home games

With so many games hosted in the Northeast this weekend, a large share of matchups fall in the region — but the top concern is for home games hosted by the Giants, Steelers and Commanders, where the nor'easter's wind gusts and rain threat are most direct. Fans should remain alert and check the forecast here.

The Giants game at MetLife Stadium in particular could be one to stay home for. Rain is expected with gusts over 30 mph possible during the game.

Isolated showers remain possible across parts of the Plains.

(MORE: The top 10 weather games In NFL history)

Northeast — cooler, nor'easter rain:
Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, New York, Pittsburgh and Washington all trend cooler as rain moves through.

South & Mountain West — warmer:
Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, Denver and Indianapolis stay warmer. But there is some relief from the brutal heat as temperatures drop to the 80s and below.

(MORE: The ultimate tailgate playbook for every football forecast)

Tailgate safety: know your forecast, stay aware

Whether you're facing heat or storms this weekend, staying aware of changing conditions — and having a plan to adjust — is the best way to stay safe at your tailgate:

• Check the forecast for your specific tailgate location and arrival time, not just the daily high, since conditions can shift significantly between morning setup and kickoff
• Heat safety: Stay hydrated, seek shade whenever possible, take breaks in air conditioning if available, and know the signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, heavy sweating, and nausea
• Storm safety: Monitor local radar in the hours before and during your tailgate, since storm timing can shift quickly
• Lightning safety: If thunder roars, go indoors — a hard-topped vehicle counts if no building is nearby. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before heading back outside
• Secure your setup: Tents, canopies and loose gear should be tied down or ready to pack up quickly if storms move in

Faiza Mohammed is a meteorologist intern at weather.com. She studied geography and worked with the Weather Dawgs team at the University of Georgia. She also received her master's in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology.