Philadelphia has introduced additional heat safety measures ahead of France’s World Cup last-16 clash with Paraguay as supporters prepare for one of the hottest matches in tournament history.
The city has endured temperatures above 38C over the past two days. High humidity has made conditions feel even hotter, with the heat index reaching as high as 44C.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr Palak Raval-Nelson has extended the city’s Heat Health Emergency until 8pm local time on Sunday. Officials took the decision because of forecasts predicting continued dangerous temperatures.
The National Weather Service has also issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Saturday evening. Forecasters say dangerously hot and humid weather will continue before thunderstorms become possible later in the day.
France’s meeting with Paraguay is scheduled to kick off at 5pm local time on Saturday. Temperatures are expected to remain around 35C at kick-off.
As of Friday afternoon, organisers had received no indication from FIFA that the match would be rescheduled despite the extreme conditions.
Philadelphia’s World Cup organising committee has responded by increasing support for fans travelling to Lincoln Financial Field.
Twenty misting tents and 10 water distribution stations have been installed along the final stretch to the stadium. The aim is to help supporters stay cool before entering the ground.
The city’s Fan Festival already includes shaded areas, misting stations and free water refill points. Organisers also reduced opening hours on Thursday and Friday to keep fans away during the hottest part of the day.
The Fan Festival will open from midday until 4pm on Saturday. France’s match will not be shown there because the city is hosting the One Philly: Unity Concert for America as part of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Weather experts believe Saturday’s fixture could rank among the hottest World Cup matches ever played.
Meteorologist Aaron Mentkowski said the game would draw comparisons with the 1994 World Cup match in Dallas, where temperatures reached 38C.
Saturday’s forecast high of 38C is close to Philadelphia’s Independence Day record of 39.4C, which was set in 1966.
The heat index is expected to range between 41C and 46C. That means conditions will feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature.
The playing surface is also expected to become extremely hot. Grass temperatures could exceed 43C during the match.
Players will at least compete on natural grass after FIFA opted against artificial pitches at all tournament venues. Even so, the heat rising from the surface is expected to increase physical strain throughout the game.
There is also a risk of severe thunderstorms after kick-off. Forecasters say damaging winds could become the biggest weather concern if storms develop over Philadelphia during the evening.
