Extreme Heat and Storms Disrupt Sports Events Across the United States

In June 2025, a relentless heat wave and severe thunderstorms disrupted sports events across the United States, posing significant challenges to athletes, fans, and organizers.

A massive "heat dome" settled over the eastern half of the country, causing temperatures to soar above 90°F. Major League Baseball (MLB) games were notably affected. In Chicago, during a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs, temperatures reached 94°F. Mariners reliever Trent Thornton suffered a heat-related illness and had to be assisted off the field. Umpire Chad Whitson also fell ill due to the heat and was replaced during the game. Post-game, a Wrigley Field staff member experienced a heat-related issue. In response, the Cubs provided cooling stations and brought in a city bus for additional relief. (apnews.com)

In St. Louis, during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals, temperatures reached 92°F. Reds' player Elly De La Cruz vomited during the fourth inning due to the heat but continued playing and later hit a two-run homer. (apnews.com)

Golf tournaments also faced extreme conditions. The PGA Tour's Travelers Championship in Connecticut and the LPGA’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Texas saw increased demand for cooling stations and hydration resources as players and spectators contended with the heat. (apnews.com)

The 2025 Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, encountered significant disruptions due to extreme weather. Matches in cities like Pasadena, Miami, and Los Angeles experienced midday temperatures reaching or exceeding 32°C (89.6°F), with humidity nearing 70%. Players and fans struggled with the heat, leading to early departures and concerns over health risks. The world players' union FIFPRO urged FIFA to consider schedule changes, additional cooling breaks, or match postponements during peak heat. (reuters.com)

Severe thunderstorms and lightning further disrupted the tournament. The Benfica vs. Auckland City match in Orlando faced a nearly two-hour suspension, and the Red Bull Salzburg vs. Pachuca game in Cincinnati experienced a 90-minute delay. FIFA mandates that if lightning is detected within ten miles of a stadium, matches are automatically paused, resuming only after careful storm monitoring and safety reassessments. (reuters.com)

The National Weather Service issued heat advisories from Minnesota to Maine and parts of the South, with temperatures soaring due to a persistent heat dome—an area of high atmospheric pressure trapping heat and humidity. The extreme conditions were expected to persist through midweek, with heat indices surpassing 100°F in cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Columbus. Philadelphia declared a heat emergency, opening cooling centers and establishing a medical hotline. The heat also affected outdoor events and caused distress, including in Madison, Wisconsin, where local activities were canceled. Concurrently, severe thunderstorms in New York killed three people, including twin 6-year-old girls, after trees fell onto homes. Power outages and extensive flooding ensued, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency in 32 counties. The dangerously high temperatures shifted eastward, with New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. expected to hit highs near or above 100°F. Meteorologists noted the unusual geographic scale of the heat wave, which spanned nearly the entire region east of the Rockies. (apnews.com)

These events underscore the challenges extreme heat poses to sports events, affecting player performance, fan safety, and event scheduling. Organizers and athletes are increasingly implementing measures to mitigate heat-related risks, such as adjusting game times, providing cooling stations, and ensuring adequate hydration.

The June 2025 heat wave and accompanying severe weather events highlight the growing impact of climate change on sports, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.