Dangerous heat to scorch players, fans heading into finals at Australian Open
By
Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Updated Aug 7, 2020 2:22 PM EDT
Sofia Kenin of the U.S. reacts as she is interviewed on court after defeating Australia's Ashleigh Barty in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Weather disrupted matches during the first week of Australian Open play before tranquil weather settled over Melbourne. However, sweltering heat and the potential for poor air quality still loom.
After wet weather interfered with matches on Day 1 of the Grand Slam tournament, wind became an issue on Wednesday.
Winds picked up ahead of an approaching cold front, adding to the challenge for outdoor matches.
Despite a quick win in straight sets, star player Novak Djokovic said the playing conditions proved challenging, according to Express.
"I don't think players enjoy these kind of conditions, to be honest," he said. "It is what it is. You have to accept them and embrace the fact that you're going to - I guess you're going to be challenged on different levels, not just by your opponent but also the conditions."
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This front also brought periods of rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning that left a layer of dirt to outdoor courts, making them look as if they were made of clay.
A period of dry weather that started late last week persisted into early this week bringing no impacts to play.
However, climbing temperatures late in the week will be another opponent players and fans will face.
Heat is expected to continue in southeastern Australia into Friday, while many Junior matches will be in progress on the outdoor courts.
Under blistering sunshine, temperatures reached 39 C (102 F) on Thursday, but temperatures could climb even higher on Friday, with a forecast high of 40 C (104 F).
Temperatures this high are well above normal for late-January in Melbourne. A normal afternoon high temperatures is around 26 C (79 F).
Both the dry and hot weather is likely, however, to come to an end before the end of the tournament.
A front will bring the threat for showers and thunderstorms to southeastern Australia from Saturday morning into late Saturday night. Fans attending matches and entertainment will want to have the rain gear handy.
The front will also open the door for much cooler air for the final days of the Open.
After a high forecast in the lower 30s C (around 90 F) on Saturday, a much cooler day is expected on Sunday clouds breaking for some sunshine. A brief shower or two can not be ruled out during the morning. An afternoon high of 22 C (72 F) is expected.
Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, right, and Michael Mmoh of the U.S. play during their second round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
In addition to the risks from the intense heat, the hot, dry air from the interior may worsen air quality, especially if smoke from bushfires is pulled into the city.
Controversy rose as qualifiers began amid smoky conditions in Melbourne earlier this month. Matches were postponed and several athletes shared concerns over the safety of the conditions.
Most of the current bushfires in Australia are burning in eastern areas of the state, so any northeast winds can usher in smoke and cause air quality to deteriorate.
Dry weather and gusty winds can also create conditions for new fires to spread quickly closer to Melbourne. The annual tennis tournament and first of the sport's four Grand Slam events will come to an end on Sunday.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo
News / Sports
Dangerous heat to scorch players, fans heading into finals at Australian Open
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Updated Aug 7, 2020 2:22 PM EDT
Sofia Kenin of the U.S. reacts as she is interviewed on court after defeating Australia's Ashleigh Barty in their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Weather disrupted matches during the first week of Australian Open play before tranquil weather settled over Melbourne. However, sweltering heat and the potential for poor air quality still loom.
After wet weather interfered with matches on Day 1 of the Grand Slam tournament, wind became an issue on Wednesday.
Winds picked up ahead of an approaching cold front, adding to the challenge for outdoor matches.
Despite a quick win in straight sets, star player Novak Djokovic said the playing conditions proved challenging, according to Express.
"I don't think players enjoy these kind of conditions, to be honest," he said. "It is what it is. You have to accept them and embrace the fact that you're going to - I guess you're going to be challenged on different levels, not just by your opponent but also the conditions."
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
This front also brought periods of rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning that left a layer of dirt to outdoor courts, making them look as if they were made of clay.
A period of dry weather that started late last week persisted into early this week bringing no impacts to play.
However, climbing temperatures late in the week will be another opponent players and fans will face.
Related:
Heat is expected to continue in southeastern Australia into Friday, while many Junior matches will be in progress on the outdoor courts.
Under blistering sunshine, temperatures reached 39 C (102 F) on Thursday, but temperatures could climb even higher on Friday, with a forecast high of 40 C (104 F).
Temperatures this high are well above normal for late-January in Melbourne. A normal afternoon high temperatures is around 26 C (79 F).
Both the dry and hot weather is likely, however, to come to an end before the end of the tournament.
A front will bring the threat for showers and thunderstorms to southeastern Australia from Saturday morning into late Saturday night. Fans attending matches and entertainment will want to have the rain gear handy.
The front will also open the door for much cooler air for the final days of the Open.
After a high forecast in the lower 30s C (around 90 F) on Saturday, a much cooler day is expected on Sunday clouds breaking for some sunshine. A brief shower or two can not be ruled out during the morning. An afternoon high of 22 C (72 F) is expected.
Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, right, and Michael Mmoh of the U.S. play during their second round singles match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
In addition to the risks from the intense heat, the hot, dry air from the interior may worsen air quality, especially if smoke from bushfires is pulled into the city.
Controversy rose as qualifiers began amid smoky conditions in Melbourne earlier this month. Matches were postponed and several athletes shared concerns over the safety of the conditions.
Most of the current bushfires in Australia are burning in eastern areas of the state, so any northeast winds can usher in smoke and cause air quality to deteriorate.
Dry weather and gusty winds can also create conditions for new fires to spread quickly closer to Melbourne. The annual tennis tournament and first of the sport's four Grand Slam events will come to an end on Sunday.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo