The $30 million tournament turns into a heat wave test

The French Open, a major tennis event worth $30 million, has become a test case for the impact of heat waves on human health. The tournament has seen as many major upsets as people collapsing on the court due to sweltering conditions.

The oppressive heat has been caused by a 'heat dome', a persistent area of high pressure that traps warm air and causes temperatures to rise.

The metric 'wet bulb globe temperature' is used to gauge the impact of heat on human health. At a wet bulb globe temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit, sweat doesn't evaporate as efficiently, leading to health issues.

What happens when the wet bulb temperature hits 95 degrees Fahrenheit?

Prolonged exposure to wet bulb temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit is the upper limit of what humans can survive. The French Tennis Federation has thermometers to measure the wet bulb globe temperature and plans to take action if it surpasses a certain threshold .

The other three Grand Slam tennis events also rely on wet bulb globe measurements to implement their heat plans.

A preview of the future for billions of people

The future previewed by Roland Garros is a preview of the future for billions of people exposed to extreme heat. As the world grapples with the impact of climate change, the French Open heat wave serves as a stark reminder of the need for heat action plans and emergency measures.

Who will take action first?

The French Tennis Federation has taken steps to mitigate the impact of heat on athletes, but it remains to be seen whhether other organizations will follow suit. The International Tennis Federation has also been monitoring the situation closely, but it has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

The heat wave at the French Open is a wake-up call for governments, organizations, and individuals to take action against the rising temperatures and protect human health.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The French Tennis Federation's May filing highlighted the need for heat action plans and emergency measures to protect athletes and spectators. However, the exact details of the plan remain unclear.

As the heat wave continues to grip the French Open, it is essential to remember that the health and safety of athletes and spectators come first.