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 previous 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 States, a match must be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium involved.
Once that happens, a 30-minute countdown begins, but 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.
On June 22 the game between France and Iraq became the first World Cup game delayed by the storms, stopping for more than two hours.
To help understand which games will be most affected, The Athletic is working with Aaron Mentkowski, chief meteorologist at WKBW-TV Buffalo, to provide a daily forecast. Aaron will join live coverage to explain what’s happening during storm delays.
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Curacao vs Ivory Coast
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Kick-off: 4 p.m local time
Mostly sunny and warm in Philadelphia today. At 4 p.m. the match will start with a temperature of 85F (29C). Temperatures will stay near 85F (29C) during the game. Winds out of the south at five to 10 miles per hour.
Ecuador vs Germany
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. Kick-off: 4pm local time
Similar forecast to the Philadelphia weather. At 4 p.m. the temperature will be near 85F (29C), with winds out of the south at five to 10 miles per hour. High UV Index, bring sunblock with you if you’re going to the game or the outdoor festivities.
Tunisia vs Netherlands
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. Kick-off: 6 p.m. local time
Flood Watch begins at 1 p.m. for Kansas City today. This game will be monitored for potential storms this afternoon that could impact the game. At 6 p.m. the match will start with a temperature of 70F (21C) with the threat for storms and heavy rain (90 per cent). Forecast computer models consistently bringing heavy rain to Kansas City from 4 to 8 p.m. Winds out of the east five to 15 miles per hour.
Japan vs Sweden
AT&T Stadium, Arlington. Kick-off: 6 p.m. local time
No issues with this match as it will be indoors. Intense heat in Arlington this afternoon under mostly sunny skies. At 6 p.m. the temperature will be near 93F (34C), with winds out of the south at 10 to 20 miles per hour.
Turkey vs USA
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood. Kick-off: 7 p.m. local time
An indoor match so no weather worries here. It will be a pleasant day in Southern California with mostly sunny skies this afternoon. At 7 p.m. expect a temperature of 68F (20C). The sun will set at 8:08 p.m. and by the end of the match the temperature will drop to 65F (18C) with westerly winds five to 10 miles per hour.
Paraguay vs Australia
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara. Kick-off 7 p.m. local time
A beautiful day in Santa Clara with sunny skies and temperatures near 75F (24C) this afternoon. At 7 p.m. skies will be clear with a temperature of 71F (22C), winds out of the north at five to 15 miles per hour. The sun will set at 8:33 p.m. and the temperature will drop to 65F (18C) by the end of the match.
