Philadelphia introduces emergency heat measures for fans ahead of France vs. Paraguay

Philadelphia has organized extra heat mitigation measures to assist fans attending France’s round-of-16 game against Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, July 4.

The city has experienced extreme heat over the past two days, with temperatures exceeding 100F (38C).

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson already extended the city’s Heat Health Emergency through 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, in response to continued dangerously high heat index values. With the added humidity, temperatures have been reported to “feel like” 112F in Philadelphia.

The National Weather Service warns that “dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected to continue through Saturday,” adding “a threat of thunderstorms through Sunday.” It adds that there is “a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m.” France’s game against Paraguay is due to begin at 5 p.m. ET local time, when temperatures are forecast to be around 95F.

As of Friday afternoon, organizers in Philadelphia have been given no indication by FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, that the game is at risk of being rescheduled.

Philadelphia’s World Cup organizing committee has introduced some additional support for fans. On the last mile to the stadium, the committee has coordinated with the city to have 20 misting tents and ten water distribution stations along the route to the venue.

The city’s fan festival was always set up with misting tents, shade and free water filling stations regardless of temperatures. However, the committee reduced the hours the festival was open on both Thursday and Friday — to open at 6 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively — to keep fans out of the most brutal period of the heat.

The Fan Fest is due to be open between the hours of 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, with organizers citing slightly lower temperatures than on Friday. The France game itself will not be shown at the festival due to the One Philly: Unity Concert for America taking place in the city to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4.