Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: As the knockout stage of the World Cup approaches, players and fans are facing a new challenge. A severe heatwave is expected in the central and eastern parts of the United States, as well as parts of Canada. Meteorologists say that a large high pressure area will remain over the entire area for a few days. As a result, the heat and humidity will increase together, making the situation more uncomfortable. According to the weather department's forecast, the perceived temperature in some places may reach a level that is dangerous for human health. The temperature will not decrease much during the day or at night. So the evening matches will also be hot.
Meteorologist Alan Reppert said that the heat will not decrease in the evening or at night. Especially in New York and its surrounding areas, the highest temperatures in a few years may be seen. The knockout matches to be held there will also feel the effects of this heatwave. This situation has once again brought to the fore the issue of the safety and physical fitness of the players. There was also a lot of discussion about the intense heat during the international club competition held in the same country last year.
The players' association said that such weather should be seen as a warning for the future. Keeping that experience in mind, a mandatory three-minute water break has been introduced in both halves of each match at this World Cup. During this time, players get the opportunity to drink water and rest for a while. Many believe that this is very important for the health of the players. However, according to critics, it disrupts the normal pace of the match. The organizers did not immediately say whether any additional measures will be taken to protect players and spectators during the intense heat.
Meanwhile, a special heat plan has been implemented in the Canadian city of Toronto after a heat wave warning was issued. There are shaded resting places, adequate water facilities and increased emergency service preparation. Some World Cup venues will, however, provide some relief from the heat. Players and spectators will find relative comfort in stadiums where the roofs can be closed and there is air conditioning inside. But in open-air cities, the entire time from reaching the stadium to the end can be difficult.
Emergency room doctor Alina Mitina has advised fans to stay in the shade as much as possible. She said that if you feel dizzy, weak, extremely tired or unusually ill, you should quickly go to a safe place, rest and drink enough water. According to her, many major dangers can be avoided if there is enough shade and easy access to water. Just as the most important knockout matches of the World Cup are about to begin, this intense heat wave has become another opponent of nature, along with football. So, in addition to the fight on the field, keeping players and fans healthy is now a big challenge for the organizers.