The French team has not really been varnished since the start of the World Cup in terms of playing conditions. Against Iraq during the group stage, the Blues had to take a break of more than two hours to let a storm pass. Then in the round of 16 against Paraguay, it was in extreme heat (more than 40 degrees felt), still under threat from the skies, that Didier Deschamps’ men had to win their qualification.
This Thursday evening for Boston, there should be no question of storms, although rain could appear at the end of the match or for possible overtime. While kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. local time in Massachusetts (10 p.m. French time), the humidity level promises to skyrocket during the game, from 57% to 82%.
Great heat and extreme UV index
With such levels, the feeling of stuffiness is even more restrictive, much more difficult for the body to deal with. It will also be 31 degrees at the start of the meeting according to forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS). A temperature which, coupled with the humidity level mentioned above, is not without consequences for athletes.
The other point to watch concerns the UV index, estimated at 9 on a scale peaking at 11 (beyond that, the index reported is 11+) this Thursday in the southern suburbs of Boston. Such a statement belongs to the so-called “very high” risk class. This is an indicator calling for great caution regarding exposure to the sun. So when it comes to playing a high-level match for at least 90 minutes… Beware of heatstroke!
