The greatest challenge to Rory McIlroy's grand slam bid or Tiger Woods' latest comeback at this week's Masters could come from Mother Nature. Players endured rainy spells during their  practice on Tuesday with forecasts that the wet weather is set continue once the tournament gets underway  on Thursday April 9. The typically warm and humid Georgia weather is expected to be unsettled by a cold front heading into Augusta for the weekend, which is likely to bring more showers and thunderstorms, especially on Friday and Saturday. Rory McIlroy hides under an umbrella as the heaven's open during practice on Tuesday . World No 1 makes his way through the rain ahead of his bid to complete a career grand slam . Dark clouds gather over the course as England's Lee Westwood practices his putting . The practice round ahead of the tournament was disrupted by bad weather in Augusta . McIlroy's caddie J.P. Fitzgerald holds an umbrella over the player's head to let him take a putt . Spectators, wrapped in an assortment of weatherproofs, are caught in a deluge while walking the course . Despite using an umbrella to shield himself from the elements on Tuesday, McIlroy could find himself facing record high temperatures on the first day of play - with the mercury expected to reach 90F, approaching the record 91F set in 2011. Augusta National has its own weather centre where officials can keep an eye on any extreme changes and evacuate players, spectators and staff from the course if necessary. According to Accuweather.com, Thursday and Sunday will likely be the best weather days at the tournament while Friday and Saturday carry potential for storms with strong winds. Many spectators were forced to watch their heroes hone their swings from under shelter, although the course's state of the art drainage system mean that play is unlikely to be delayed. Weather reports have forecast unseasonably high temperatures and stormy weather across the four days . Spectators may have to get used to taking cover beneath trees, especially on Friday and Saturday . A cold front coming over Georgia is likely to bring more stormy weather and strong winds . Golf fans flock to leave August National as the rain pours down on Tuesday . Spectators under shelter take a look at the tournament's order of play, beginning on Thursday morning . Water puddles on a seat with the Masters' logo with the start of the tournament only a day away .
Golf's first major of the season, the Masters, tees off on Thursday April 9 .
Rory McIlroy is bidding for a career grand slam while Tiger Woods is back .
Extreme weather conditions including high temperatures and storms have been forecast across the four day event in Augusta .
CLICK HERE for all the latest news from The Masters 2015 .