Extreme Heat and Its Impact on World Cup Matches
With "feels like" temperatures reaching up to 45C (113F) in parts of the United States this week, certain World Cup matches could experience heat indexes surpassing the safety threshold established by the global players' union, Fifpro.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), dangerous heat is intensifying across the US and Canada.
Air temperatures are widely expected to be in the high 30s Celsius, approaching 40C (104F), combined with high humidity levels, creating very uncomfortable conditions with potential health risks.
Some eastern states may even break temperature records by the end of the week.
While western regions have seen temperatures decline, a heatwave is developing further east.
A significant heatwave will strengthen as the week advances, affecting much of central and eastern US states as well as large areas of Canada.
Temperatures exceeding 32C (90F) are forecasted broadly.
When factoring in humidity, it will feel like temperatures are as high as 46C (115F) across parts of the Southern Great Plains, mid-Mississippi valley, and eventually into sections of the mid-Atlantic, as per NWS data.
Overnight lows may not drop below 20C (70F), which meteorologists classify as a "tropical night."
The extreme heat will also impact eastern Canada, with temperatures predicted to be up to 10C (18F) above average in Ontario and Quebec.
Which Matches Will Experience Heat?
Not all round of 32 World Cup matches will be affected by the heatwave, but several notable games warrant attention.
The highest temperatures are expected in Texas, primarily impacting fans traveling to and from the air-conditioned stadiums in Houston and Arlington.
This will also apply to the England versus DR Congo match on Wednesday in Atlanta, where it will feel hot and humid outside the air-conditioned stadium.
Inside the stadiums, conditions will be considerably more comfortable for both players and fans.
Matches where heat could pose challenges include:
- Tuesday 30 June - France vs Sweden, New Jersey - 30C (86F)
- Thursday 2 July (overnight Thursday into Friday for UK viewers) - Portugal vs Croatia, Toronto - 31C (88F)
- Friday 3 July - Argentina vs Cape Verde, Miami - 31C (88F)
- Friday 3 July (early Saturday for UK viewers) - Colombia vs Ghana, Kansas City - 32C (90F)
The matches on Friday in Miami and Kansas City may be particularly uncomfortable due to high humidity, making it feel as hot as 40C (104F).
In the official measure of heat and humidity effects on the human body, known as Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT), these two matches could approach the threshold that Fifpro deems unsafe for play.
By the weekend, the heat will peak across eastern US and Canada, pushing temperatures well above average and nearing record highs.
In New Jersey and Philadelphia, air temperatures are expected to approach 40C (104F), with a "feels like" temperature near 45C (113F).
Two 'last 16 games' scheduled here over the weekend will see slightly reduced extreme heat, but the "feels like" temperature will remain above 40C (104F).
The WBGT for these matches could exceed the Fifpro safety threshold.
Could Thunderstorms Also Affect Matches?
High temperatures combined with high humidity often lead to thunderstorms.
Initially, most wet weather and storms will be confined to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, away from World Cup host cities.
Later in the week, thunderstorms may develop within the heatwave area, potentially impacting some matches.
Matches are suspended if thunderstorms occur within an eight-mile (13km) radius of the stadium to allow players and spectators to seek shelter.
For England's game against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, there is currently a small risk of thunderstorms that could affect the match, with a higher risk later in the afternoon after the game concludes.
There is also a high likelihood of thunderstorms impacting the Argentina vs Cape Verde last 32 game in Miami on Friday.
As extreme heat and humidity peak in New Jersey and Philadelphia over the weekend, thunderstorms are forecasted there as well.
