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 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 give an understanding of which games will be most affected, The Athletic is working with Aaron Mentkowski, chief meteorologist for WKBW-TV Buffalo, to provide a daily forecast. Aaron will join live coverage to explain what’s happening during storm delays.France vs SenegalMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ; kick-off 3pm local timeBeautiful weather for this match. Sunny and seasonable with temperatures near 80F (27C). Winds will be light out of the west at 5 to 10mph. Humidity levels will be comfortable as well. Bring the sunblock and enjoy the match.Iraq vs NorwayGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA; kick-off 6pm local timeA gorgeous day in Foxborough with sunny skies, seasonable temperatures, and comfortable humidity levels through this evening. Afternoon high temperatures will be near 80F (27C). At 6pm under blue skies the temperature will be 77F (25C) and winds will be light out of the west at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The sun will set at 8:22pm.Argentina vs AlgeriaArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO; kick-off 8pm local timeThe weather for this match looks great as well. A few rain showers early this morning will come to an end, and skies will be mostly sunny this afternoon. High temperatures today will be near 84F (29C). At 8pm the temperature will be 80F (27C) with mainly clear skies. The sun will set at 8:46pm, creating a bit of a glare for the first half.Austria vs JordanLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA; kick-off 9pm local timeThe weather is going to be the big winner today as this match will be played with very comfortable weather conditions. A beautiful day in store for fans. Skies will be mostly sunny with a high temperature of 84 F (29C). The sun will set at 8:31pm. At 9pm skies will be clear, winds will be light and the temperature will be 68F (20C) with a temperature of 64F (18C) at 11 p.m.
