A summer World Cup in the United States was bound to be affected by heat, but temperatures for some of this week’s knockout round games could prove dangerous for players and fans. A threatening heat dome will engulf the central and eastern U.S. this week with heat index temperatures — which combine air temperature with humidity — soaring into the triple-digits in some areas.

Heat Wave Preparations

Conditions will bring above-average temperatures to World Cup host cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, Missouri, all of which have open-air stadiums. The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat watch for Philadelphia and surrounding regions starting Wednesday afternoon and into Saturday evening, with dangerously hot “feels-like” temperatures up to 110 F during the daytime.

Players have medical staff, three-minute cooling breaks midway through each half, regardless of temperatures, and other heat safeguards. But even the most highly trained, elite athletes are vulnerable to what’s called exertional heat illness. This happens when your body’s temperature gets too hot and is accompanied by significant strain from intense exercise on a sizzling day.

Staying Safe in the Heat

Drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade or air-conditioning, and staying out of the sun can help protect you from heat. If you have to be outside, wear light and loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day. Use cooling fans or towels and drink slushies or other icy beverages. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and hydrate before it gets really hot.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.