While Argentina freezes with a polar wave and the first snowfalls, in the northern hemisphere the heat is becoming a lethal threat. In the midst of the World Cup, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued a chilling warning: a historic and intense extreme heat wave, dubbed the ‘heat dome,’ will push heat indices to 46°C on the East Coast and the South of the country.
The hottest matches are not just about the score. The decisive match on July 19, two quarterfinals, and the third-place decider are under maximum alert. The combination of high temperatures and humidity could turn the pitches into open-air ovens. The UN, through its Climate Change Secretariat, released a chilling statistic: 26 of the 104 tournament matches pose a real health risk to players and fans. Even worse: at least five matches could exceed the critical threshold at which postponement is recommended.
Climate change, according to the body, is causing ‘extreme weather events and heat waves around the world.’ And it was already felt during the group stage. After the matches between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and Sweden against Tunisia, where temperatures exceeded 28°C, the professional footballers’ union stepped in: it called for matches to be postponed or delayed. ‘It’s hot for the players, for the fans, for everyone. It’s climate change. And now we’re noticing it everywhere,’ said Simon Stiell, UN executive secretary for climate change.
But the infrastructure is not up to par. Of all the venues, only three stadiums — Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta — have retractable roofs and integrated air conditioning systems to isolate the climate. The rest are open stadiums, exposed to direct solar radiation, with no escape from the infernal heat. The thousands of tourists and residents attending the U.S. stadiums face an experience that could be not only oppressive but dangerous.
The NWS alert is not a whim. The ‘heat dome’ is a phenomenon that traps hot air and compresses it, raising temperatures to record levels. And the World Cup, which should be a celebration, becomes a test of endurance. Organizers are already on notice, but decisions are made with crossed fingers. Meanwhile, players run, sweat, and risk their health on every loose ball.
The question hangs in the air: is it worth playing when the thermometer reads heart-stopping numbers? The UN says no, that action must be taken. But the show must go on, and the heat does not forgive.
para mi esta ola de calor es un verso de los zurdos para cagar el mundial 46 grados y los jugadores se quejan si son re blanditos antes se jugaba en el infierno y nadie lloraba yo creo que si se mueren los reemplazan y listo KJJJJJJ a sudar la camiseta carajo
Para mí estos yankis de mierda se hacen los santos con la ola de calor, pero son ellos los que queman el planeta con sus transnacionales. 46 grados no es clima, es el capital ardiento en la cara de los laburantes. Ojalá se les fundan los partidos y los multimillonarios pierdan toda la guita, nafta.