A large area of high pressure, known as a ‘heat dome’, is expected to bring extremely high temperatures to the central and eastern United States, as well as parts of Canada, during the World Cup knockout rounds.

Heat-Related Concerns

The heat dome could lead to dangerously high temperatures, with heat indices set to hit 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Midwest and East Coast, according to the U.S. National Weather Service.

Matches from Toronto to Kansas City to East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Philadelphia will be affected by the heat, with temperatures expected to remain high even after the sun goes down.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert stated that New York, which will host a Round of 16 match in nearby New Jersey on July 5, will see temperatures reach their highest levels since 2013.

Player Safety and Hydration

The conditions have raised concerns about player safety and welfare, with FIFA instituting mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half of every match for the World Cup this year.

World Soccer’s governing body did not immediately respond to a request for comment on any additional measures that could be taken for player or fan safety during the expected period of intense heat.

Some stadiums hosting matches under the heat dome, such as those in Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston, have retractable roofs and air conditioning, offering significant relief.

Emergency department physician Alina Mitina advised fans to seek out shade as much as possible and watch out for telltale signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.