Met Office predicts that temperatures will rise and reach their highest point on Monday in London.
The All England Club’s opening of the tennis season on Monday coincided with rising temperatures, making this the hottest Wimbledon ever.
Weekend with a warm and humid climate
Met Office says Saturday will start cloudy, with some drizzle or rain likely in the west, and especially uphill.
The day is expected to be better in most of the UK. On Sunday, a band of rain and cloud is forecast to move up the central UK.
After a scorching weekend, temperatures on Monday are expected to reach the low 30s Celsius. It’s a tough day for everyone, including players, ticket-holders and queue-goers.
Met Office has released an updated:
On Monday temperatures are expected to reach as high as 34degC near London, and possibly even higher in the east.
According to a Reuters article, the record for the start of the Grand Slam on the grass courts was 29.3C in 2001.
The heatwave expected on Monday is forecast to surpass the record set in 2015, when temperatures at courts were much higher.
Wimbledon’s Heat Rule will most likely trigger a 10-minute play break when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reaches 30.1 degrees Celsius or higher.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature will be taken at 3 different times. The first is before the game starts, then at 15:00 and 17.00.
The measurement takes into account several variables such as ambient temperature, humidity and wind condition, in addition to the angle at which the sun is pointing.
In best-of-3-set matches, it applies to the second set. The rule applies to best-of-5-set matches after the second set.
During this time, players may not receive any coaching or medical attention.
Impact on quality
Chris Tyler, an environmental-physiology researcher from the University of Roehampton welcomed the rule on heat but pointed out that heat can negatively affect the quality of the matches.
Tyler, quoted by Reuters in a report on the subject said: “It is good to have a rule which uses Wet Bulb Globe temperature but it does not factor in what players do.”
The majority of heat risks for athletes is due to the increase in their actual body temperatures. 80% of body temperature increases are related to what players do.
He suggested also that cooling down players by applying iced towel to their necks during the changeover might not be as effective as he thought.
He said: “It is like giving an injection of painkillers to a star football player just before the cup final. It makes him feel better, but the injury still exists.”
The towels would not do anything if the goal was to lower core body temperatures.
Tyler said that feet, forearms and the groin had many blood vessels. Cooling them down is a great way to exchange heat.
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The Wimbledon organizers have taken precautions against heat to protect the public, staff and ball girls and boys (BBGs). Elite players will also be expected to cope with the conditions.
The club’s statement read:
We have taken adverse weather into consideration when planning The Championships. Comprehensive plans are in place to prepare guests, players and staff, as well as the BBGs for hot, humid weather.
There will also be additional free refilling stations available on the site. Weather alerts in real-time will be shown on large screens, and the website of the tournament.
Staff shifts are being adjusted to combat the heat. “Shade mapping” is also implemented in order to provide people with some relief from the hot sun.
Met Office predicts that temperatures will drop to low- to mid-20s by the end of this week. There is a chance of showers.
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