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TIME CHANGE: Seahawks vs. 49ers kickoff adjusted as a winter storm turns Seattle into a major snow game – Game information

Seattle, Washington – January 16, 2026

The Divisional Round playoff matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers is officially under close monitoring for a potential kickoff-time adjustment, as severe weather conditions are forecast to impact the Pacific Northwest — turning this highly anticipated showdown into a possible weather-influenced playoff battle.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. For now, the NFL has confirmed that the start time remains unchanged, though league officials are preparing contingency plans should conditions worsen closer to kickoff.

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According to the latest regional forecasts, Seattle is expected to experience persistent rain, strong winds, and sharply dropping temperatures throughout the evening. While snowfall is not expected, meteorologists warn that wind gusts and steady rain could significantly impact visibility, kicking conditions, and ball security.

NFL event operations and team officials are actively monitoring the situation. Possible scenarios include a delay of 30 minutes to one hour if weather conditions pose safety concerns or compromise competitive integrity. The league has emphasized that player safety and game quality will remain the top priorities.

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For the 49ers, the conditions present another difficult road challenge in an already demanding postseason. San Francisco has navigated injuries and hostile environments throughout the season, but a night game at Lumen Field — combined with adverse weather — represents one of the toughest playoff settings in the league.

From Seattle’s perspective, the forecast only reinforces an already formidable home-field advantage. Lumen Field is widely regarded as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, and wet, windy conditions have historically favored the Seahawks’ physical style of play.

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Meteorologists tracking Pacific Northwest storm systems note that the weather is expected to peak during the evening hours, aligning directly with the scheduled kickoff window. As a result, the NFL is maintaining flexibility should late adjustments become necessary.

Conclusion: Seahawks vs. 49ers is shaping up to be not only a battle for a spot in the NFC Championship Game, but also a test against the elements. Fans are strongly encouraged to monitor official NFL and team announcements closely for any potential TIME CHANGE updates as Seattle prepares for a playoff night defined by intensity, weather, and unpredictability.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of Supplying Suicide Drones to Iran
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of supplying Iran with Shahed-style suicide drones, which are reportedly being used by Tehran to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East. However, Zelensky has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims. In an interview released by CNN on March 14, Zelensky stated, "I have 100% accurate information that Iran is using this type of UAV to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East." The Shahed drones, originally produced by Russia after receiving a license from Iran, have been implicated in attacks on U.S. and allied military installations in the region. Zelensky further claimed that Russia is also providing intelligence support to Iran's attacks. "Russia's position is that if Washington and Europe are helping Kyiv with intelligence, Moscow can similarly support Tehran," Zelensky added. Despite these bold assertions, the Ukrainian president did not present any direct evidence to substantiate his claims. Neither Russia nor Iran has officially commented on these allegations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on March 14 that Iran is "militarily cooperating" with both Russia and China, though he did not provide further details. Earlier reports from The Washington Post cited sources indicating that Russia had provided Iran with intelligence on the location of U.S. military assets in the Middle East. This alleged support is believed to have helped Tehran successfully target a range of high-value targets in the region, including radar systems valued between $500 million to over a billion dollars. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on March 10 that Russia has denied sharing intelligence with Iran, affirming that Washington "can trust" Moscow's statements. Shahed drones, developed by Iran, come in various models and have been a key part of Iran's military capabilities. Iran reportedly supplied several Shahed-136 drones to Russia, granting Moscow a license to produce them under the name Geran-2. The Geran-2, which weighs about 200 kg and carries a 50 kg warhead, has a range of 2,500 km and is primarily used by Russian forces in long-range strikes against Ukraine. However, it can also be used for tactical strikes near the frontlines if needed. Images of a Geran-2 UAV in flight over Kyiv in December 2025 have highlighted its growing role in the conflict. In late February 2026, after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, Tehran responded by targeting Israel's territory, U.S. bases in the Middle East, and vital energy infrastructure across the Gulf region with both missiles and suicide drones. According to CBS, the early phase of the conflict saw an Iranian drone strike on a U.S. military operations center in Kuwait, resulting in six soldiers' deaths. The specific type of drone used remains unclear. Additionally, a radar system in Qatar, worth approximately $1.1 billion, was damaged in an attack believed to have been carried out by an Iranian suicide drone. The growing use of these drones by Iran, particularly with alleged Russian support, has further escalated tensions in the Middle East, adding to the already volatile situation between the U.S., Iran, and their respective allies.