DStv Channel 403 Saturday, 08 February 2025

Play to resume at Australian Open after extreme heat break

A woman cools off in front of mist cooling fans at the Australian Open
AFP | MANAN VATSYAYANA

MELBOURNE - Play was set to resume on outside courts at the Australian Open Tuesday following a three-hour delay after matches were halted due to extreme heat.

With players sweltering in 36 Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit) temperatures, the tournament's five-part heat stress scale hit five.

The scale measures four climate factors -- radiant heat (strength of the sun), air temperature in the shade, relative humidity and wind speed.

READ | California opens cooling centers for heat wave vulnerable

The lowest level reading is one and the highest five, at which point play is suspended and the roofs are closed on its three main stadiums -- Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.

Organisers said conditions had improved and play was set to resume at 5pm (0600 GMT).

 

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