Heading into Labor Day Weekend, temperatures across North Georgia will be very hot as thermometers climb into the upper 90s through Saturday.
In Athens, the forecast high for Saturday afternoon is 98 degrees -- ten degrees above average, and close to the record high for the day of 99 degrees set at the Ben Epps Airport in Athens in 1954.
If this forecast verifies, it would mark the hottest Home Season Opener game in the past decade. Previously, temperatures climbed to the mid 90s in 2019 (95°) and 2016 (94°).
Is it Really Going to Feel Like 120° in the Stadium?!
Whether you are a player or a fan, it is going to be uncomfortably hot in Sanford Stadium leading up to and during the game.
Thankfully for the players, Dooley Field is surfaced with Tifway 419 hybrid bermudagrass, which stays much cooler compared to artificial turf. As a result, air temperatures around the immediate field will remain steady as the sun heats the ground.
However, players will need to account for jerseys, pads, and helmets to absorb the sunshine during the afternoon, potentially increasing the core body heat during the game. As a result, the “feels like” for the players will be much higher than the air temperature, which will remain in the mid 90s for much of the game.
Fans in the stands will endure a much hotter experience, especially individuals who are seated in the full sun.
- Darker clothing absorbs the sunlight, creating hotter conditions for the person wearing them
- Sunlight bouncing off the bleachers will create additional heating for fans in the stands
- Depending on how many people attend the game and pack into any given section, the extra body heat from being in close proximity to other people will make the air feel even more stifling
- Little to no wind will occur during the game, providing very little air flow
Beat the Heat, Before and During the Game
With kickoff taking place at 3pm, tailgaters will get started well into the morning hours.
- Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing. This will allow additional airflow around the body, and light colors will absorb less sunlight, generating less heat
- Be mindful of alcoholic beverages, which will dehydrate the body and potentially allow heat illnesses to occur
- Stick with water as your beverage of choice, and potentially add electrolytes or switch to sports drinks if you start to feel dizzy or develop a headache
- Dizziness and headaches are your clue that you may be exhibiting a heat-related illness. Seek shade immediately, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the nearest First Aid station -- heat-related illnesses can develop quickly.
Hotter temperatures lead to more sweat, which is the body’s method of staying cool.
The more you sweat, the more water you will need to drink to stay hydrated and cool.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke -- heat stroke is a life-threatening situation that can cause death or permanent disability of not treated immediately.
Of course, if you are staying home or listening to the game from the car, listen to 95.5 WSB for play by play coverage.