How Hot Is It Really at the French Open? Check the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
WIRED • • sports
Key Points:
- The French Open's first week has seen two major upsets and multiple incidents of players and staff collapsing due to extreme heat, with temperatures in the low- to mid-90s Fahrenheit exacerbated by high humidity and solar radiation.
- The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), a measure that accounts for temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind, is critical in assessing heat stress; WBGT levels above 86°F (30°C) mark the start of dangerous conditions for human health.
- Athletes have physiological advantages like more efficient sweating and heat acclimation, but even they face risks of heat-related illnesses without sufficient rest and cooling measures such as shade and ice packs.
- The French Tennis Federation monitors WBGT on courts and has plans for extended breaks or match cancellations if thresholds are exceeded, though such extreme levels have not yet been reached despite rising temperatures.
- Other Grand Slam events use WBGT measurements to implement heat policies, allowing players longer rest and cooling periods to mitigate heat stress during competition.