Tropical storm off Mexico: It will be a World Cup of weather extremes

Rain, thunderstorms and now even a threat of tropical storms! Tropical Storm Boris formed off the South Pacific coast of Mexico on Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center. How dangerous will this be for the World Cup?

The opening game of the XXL World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico between host country Mexico and South Africa is scheduled to take place in Mexico City on Thursday. But the authorities are currently sounding the alarm.

Alert level declared

The orange alert level has been declared several times in the past few days for parts of the metropolis. Means: People have to expect dangerous weather conditions with moderate storms such as heavy rain, violent thunderstorms, hail or squalls. Heavy rain is also expected on the day of the start of the World Cup Thunderstorm announced. And that’s not all: a hurricane could form off the Pacific coast of Mexico at the same time.

What weather can be expected in the next few weeks until the final (July 19th)? Blazing heat in the south, daily thunderstorms on the Gulf Coast, severe thunderstorms with a risk of tornadoes in the US interior. Experts agree: This Wetter will play a crucial role in this tournament.

Weather expert explains the weather for the World Cup

Graduate meteorologist Dominik Jung from Wetter.net told BILD: “The pattern is emerging that will shape this World Cup. The heat is accumulating in the south and southwest of the USA, while showers and thunderstorms pass through daily over the host cities near the tropics – Florida, the Gulf Coast – and in Mexico.”

Thunderstorms and showers at the start of the World Cup

Weather expert Jung tells BILD about the start of the World Cup on Thursday: “Across the Midwest there will be recurring severe thunderstorms with hail, squalls and a local risk of tornadoes. The most active phase is in June and July anyway. And with the emerging The Child The summer heat in the western and central United States may kick in more quickly than in a normal year.”

There is a risk of game interruptions lasting hours

Extremely strict rules apply in the USA storm-National Weather Service protocols that cannot be overruled by FIFA during the course of the tournament. Climatologist Dr. Karsten Brandt from Donnerwetter.de to BILD: “As soon as lightning is registered within a radius of eight miles, which corresponds to around 13 kilometers, around the stadium, a security mechanism takes effect. The game is interrupted and the teams have to retreat to the changing rooms. At the same time, the spectator stands are evacuated.”

Hours-long interruptions at WM possible

Die FIFA has not set a time limit for game abandonment for this tournament. During storm fronts, parts can therefore remain dormant for hours. Graduate meteorologist Sebastian Wache from WetterWelt told BILD: “The resumption usually takes place according to the 30-minute rule. 30 minutes after the last lightning and thunder it continues. Each new lightning flash sets the clock back to zero. There is a risk of a continuous lightning loop!”

Due to larger temperature differences and subtropical air, the weather phenomena in the USA and Mexico are more severe. Canada is more temperate because it is located further north. Weather expert Jung told BILD: “For the Germany game on Sunday there will be a sweltering 35 degrees in the shade. A real heat battle. The combination of heat and high humidity is the real problem.”