SOCCER: Forecast says 90, pavement says 120: Dallas's World Cup heat trap

Fans traveling to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the FIFA World Cup are being warned about a hidden health risk as extreme heat radiating from concrete and asphalt could make conditions far hotter than weather forecasts suggest.

Although weather apps may show air temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), pavement temperatures can reach as high as 122 F (50 C), creating dangerous conditions for fans walking to AT&T Stadium from parking lots, train stations, and fan zones.

Jennifer Dunn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said surfaces such as concrete and blacktop absorb and reflect heat, making them significantly hotter than the surrounding air.

She advised visitors to pay close attention to how they feel while walking and to take breaks, seek shade, or get medical assistance if they begin experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness.

A 2023 study by climate research group CAPA Strategies found that temperatures across Dallas can vary by as much as 10 F (5.6 C) depending on the surrounding environment. Commercial areas with large parking lots and industrial spaces tend to trap more heat, while neighborhoods with trees, grassy areas, and preserved green spaces remain noticeably cooler.

"It's hot," said Argentine fan Mathias Milane. "Everything is concrete here."

Dunn noted that Dallas' highly urbanized landscape makes it difficult to escape the heat, with vast stretches of concrete contributing to elevated surface temperatures throughout the city.

The hottest period of the day in North Texas is typically between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., when many fans are expected to travel to and from the stadium. While matches in Dallas are played indoors, spectators may still face dangerous conditions before and after games.

Swedish fan Victor Blomdahl described the heat as overwhelming.

"I'm not getting used to it," he said. "I'm just enduring it, surviving."

To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, Dunn recommended wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, and using cooling towels, misters, or other heat-relief accessories whenever possible.

She also warned that the effects of heat can develop quickly, even for those who initially feel fine.

"If you start to feel rundown, warm, or sunburned, it's time to find shelter and get out of the direct sun," Dunn said. -Reporting by Malgorzata Wojtunik and Manuel Ausloos; Writing by Michael Church; Editing by Tom Hogue/Reuters