This World Cup is going to be hot and at times stormy, with a sizeable chunk of its 104 games set to be played above 90F (32C).
Spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, it is likely to be the warmest edition since the last time the tournament was held in North America, when the U.S. hosted it solo in 1994.
While extreme heat and humidity will affect how matches are played, thunderstorms could provide the greater logistical challenge.
Under the thunderstorm protocol in place in the United States, a match must be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile (12.9km) radius of the stadium involved.
Once that happens, a 30-minute countdown begins — and resets if another strike is detected before it ends. Last summer, for example, Chelsea’s Club World Cup game against Benfica in Charlotte, North Carolina, took four hours and 38 minutes to complete after repeated lightning delays.
To provide clarity on which games will be most affected, The Athletic is working with Aaron Mentkowski, chief meteorologist at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, to provide a daily forecast. Aaron will join live coverage to explain what’s happening during storm delays.
Spain vs Cape Verde
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta: Kick-off: 12pm local time
Partly sunny and pleasant in Atlanta today. The game is in a dome but as you make your way into the game at 12 p.m. temperatures will be near 80 F (27C). Similar conditions as you exit the game with 2 p.m. temperature near 83 F (28 C).
Belgium vs Egypt
Lumen Field, Seattle. Kick-off: 12 pm local time
Record heat for Seattle today with highs near 90 F (32 C). A Heat Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service. It will be mostly sunny, hot and dry today.
The record high on this date is 88 F (31C) set back in 1963. At the start of the match, you’ll have partly cloudy skies, light northwesterly winds 5 to 10 miles per hour, and a temperature near 90 F (32C).
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens. Kick-off: 6pm local time
The weather for this match will need to be monitored closely. A Heat Advisory posted from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Miami. Temperatures in the 90s (33C) and the humidity will make it feel like it’s 104F (40C).
The day will start sunny and warm up quickly with a 12 p.m. temperature of 90F (32C). Clouds will increase with showers and storms developing later today.
The timing of the storms could certainly impact the match, especially the start of the game. 6 p.m. 87 F(31C), hot and humid with a 40% storm chance. These storms could produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. I will be monitoring the situation with live blog updates.
Iran v New Zealand
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, LA County. Kick-off 6pm local time
No worries on the pitch as this game is covered. A beautiful Southern California day is in store for fans. Skies today will be mostly sunny with a high temperature of 72 F (22C). At 6 p.m, the temperature will be 70F (21C), with a temperature of 67F (19C) after the game.
