Climate change is being blamed for the sweltering heat and humidity that has cast a shadow over the World Cup, with scientists warning that the conditions are a danger to players and fans alike.
The World Weather Attribution group of climate scientists says that the heat dome settling over large swaths of the U.S. and parts of Canada has set the stage for extraordinary heat and humidity, with temperatures expected to exceed FIFPRO’s recommendations for safe play.
The U.S. National Weather Service has warned that the heat dome could see heat indices hit 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Midwest and East Coast, with many World Cup host sites affected.
Impact on the Tournament
The conditions are threatening to strain power grids and impact outdoor celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary in a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend.
FIFPRO, the world players’ union, has praised FIFA for making an effort to align the competition schedule planning and venue selection with concerns around player health, but says there are still some games that have risk attached.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
