NHL-Warm, wet weather could delay Winter Classic

Jan 1 ( Reuters) - Warm and wet weather conditions may alter plans for the 2017 NHL Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Blues outdoors at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Monday.

Unseasonably warm temperatures and forecasted rain could lead to unplayable conditions on the outdoor rink for the game scheduled to begin at 1pm EST (1800 GMT).

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 50s Fahrenheit (12C), according to AccuWeather, making it difficult to keep the ice properly frozen.

The usual high temperature for Jan. 2 is 40 (4 C).

If the game is delayed, it could be played Monday night or rescheduled for Tuesday night.

The National Hockey League has experienced bad weather for the Winter Classic before.

In 2011, the game between the Washington Capitals and Penguins at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh was moved from the afternoon to 8 p.m. due to rain and warm conditions.

(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Mitch Phillips)