Weather‑Proof Fight Night at the White House

The UFC has promised that its June 14 event on the South Lawn will happen “no matter what. ” Dana White, the organization’s chief, told reporters that rain or snow won’t stop the fights. He added that he is tired of people worrying about weather. The National Weather Service warned of a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p. m. ET, with scattered showers and winds up to 22 mph. The UFC moved the start time from 8 p. m. to 9 p. m. ET, hoping to avoid the worst conditions. A post on The Weather Channel claimed a 60 % chance of thunderstorms and gusts up to 34 mph. It also said that a single lightning strike within eight miles could pause the event for 30 minutes, even though the venue’s 92‑foot overhang would keep the octagon dry.The White House dismissed the Weather Channel’s warning as “clickbait” and called it a “friendless loser. ” It reiterated that the celebration would go on, regardless of weather. On event day, the UFC announced that gates to its fan fest at the Ellipse were open as scheduled. They urged visitors to prepare for possible bad weather. The Secret Service confirmed it has backup plans if storms or lightning hit near the arena while President Trump is present. Meteorologists from both the government and the UFC will be on site, working with the DC Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to coordinate weather responses.