The Ground is Boiling Beneath You.. Official Warning for World Cup Fans in an American City

SadaNews - Fans arriving in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to attend World Cup matches face a hidden health risk as they walk to the stadium in a concrete city built to accommodate cars more than pedestrians.

Weather apps indicate that the temperature is 32 degrees Celsius, but the temperature on the pavement beneath their feet will likely approach 50 degrees Celsius.

The discrepancy between the weather forecasts and this extreme heat presents a danger they face on their way to the stadium, as fans walk from distant parking lots, train stations, and sun-soaked plazas.

Every step on the asphalt, through metal security gates, and in unshaded fan areas means crossing an invisible "heat trap" that weather apps do not warn about.

Jennifer Dan, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said: "Concrete can actually absorb some of that heat, especially when walking on asphalt or any similar surface. It absorbs heat and re-radiates it, which can raise the temperature even more on those surfaces."

She added: "So it’s very important to pay attention to how you feel while walking on those surfaces, especially when covering long distances."

The hottest hours in North Texas are between 2 PM and 7 PM.

Swedish fan Viktor Blomdahl said: "The situation is crazy. I'm not used to it yet. I'm just trying to endure it... and looking for ways to adapt."

Meteorologist Dan warned, saying: "If you think you're okay, you can easily be affected by the effects of heat within just a few minutes. If you start feeling exhausted or overheated, or even sunburned, it might be time to look for a place to take shelter."

Source: Reuters