Mother Nature is holding the cards as to what tens of thousands of football fans will deal with Saturday while watching the Ole Miss Rebels take on the Alabama Crimson Tide.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to be around 91 degrees during game time, which starts at 2:30 p.m.; however, high humidity could make it feel more like 100 degrees.

Meteorologist intern William Churchill said there’s a 50 percent of thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon and while the cloud coverage could help keep the heat down, it might quickly cool fans down if the skies open up while they’re sitting in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

“While the clouds will keep it a little cooler, it will still be humid and muggy so it’s not going to feel great,” Churchill said.

If the thunderstorms do roll in, Churchill said they aren’t expected to be severe.

“But there’s always that chance of an isolated strong storm,” he said.

Oxford Emergency Management Coordinator Jimmy Allgood said people attending the Grove and/or the game should take precautions against the heat, which could feel even hotter with 60,000 people in one area.

“Stay hydrated with water,” he said. “Limit alcohol and sugary and caffeinated drinks.”

If you do decide to indulge in a few alcohol beverages, he suggests alternating them with a glass of water.

“If you feel yourself getting overheated, don’t stay in the sun,” he said. “Go to one of the cooling stations in the stadium or leave before heat stroke sets in.”

He suggests wearing light, breathable clothing that can protect from sunburn. If the sun decides to shine down during the game, sunblock should be applied as well.

In the event that the National Weather Service in Memphis issues a severe weather warning pre- or post-game, the Oxford game day shuttles will suspend service on pickups and drop offs until the warning is lifted by the National Weather Service.

“This is for the protection and safety of our staff, the riders, and shuttle drivers,” Allgood said.

If the University of Mississippi institutes a weather delay during the football game, shuttle service will be suspended until the weather delay is lifted by the university. Riders are advised to seek shelter in a campus building, or remain in the stadium under cover.

“This policy is being instituted for the protection of the shuttle patrons to prevent them from being exposed to hazardous weather conditions while waiting to leave campus back to the shuttle sites,” he said Thursday.

The same policy will apply pre-game to the Double Decker buses running from the Square to campus.