Hot weather takes a toll on Wimbledon tournament

The heat and humidity across England is making its presence felt in the ongoing Wimbledon tournament. The organizers of the tournament have been forced to initiate heat rules which means that female players will be allowed to take a 10 minute break upon request. The organizers are making arrangements to treat not only players but the audience and anyone having heat related illness.

On Monday, the first day of the tournament around 100 people in the audience required medical help due to the heat. The temperature is expected to settle in the low 30’s (°C). The record high observed during the tournament was 34.6°C in the year 1976.

London’s Heathrow Airport recorded 30.3°C as the day temperature on Tuesday, which is far higher than the normal of 21°C for this time of the year.

The center court has a retractable roof which provides some relief while, the other 19 championship courts and 22 practice courts at the all England club are in the open. At the same time last year there were disruptions due to rain during the early part of the tournament. Since 1922 only seven events did not experience any weather delays and 2010 was the last rain free tournament.

This unseasonable heat is likely to get worse as Wednesday will be warmer and the heat is likely to continue into the weekend.

 

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