In preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, the U.S. women's national soccer team is bracing themselves for scorching temperatures and intense heat. The team is currently playing their farewell friendly against Costa Rica in record-breaking heat in Washington D.C., with temperatures expected to reach a staggering 101F (38C).

Head coach Emma Hayes sees this challenging weather as "added value" for her team's preparation. With Marseille, the venue for their second and third Olympic group-stage matches against Germany and Australia, known for its high temperatures, Hayes believes that experiencing similar conditions in Washington D.C. will provide excellent preparation for their upcoming games.

The tournament, set to take place in various locations across France, will present the players with hot and humid environments. The USWNT will kick off their campaign against Zambia in Nice, on July 25, a region known for its relatively hot and humid weather during the tournament. While historically experiencing a heat index in the mid-to-high 80s during this time of the year, temperatures in late July are expected to peak in the 90s.

Despite the kickoff time against Costa Rica being at 7:30pm local time, the heat index is still expected to be merciless, especially during the first half of the match. The National Weather Service's excessive heat warning is set to end at 8:30pm, and temperatures should begin to drop into the 80s. However, warm and humid conditions may persist throughout the night.

The challenges faced by the USWNT in playing under extreme weather conditions are indicative of the impact climate change has on outdoor sports. In recent years, France has experienced hotter-than-average summers, including record heatwaves in 2022 and 2023, which were the second and fourth-hottest summers in French history so far.

These conditions serve as a stark reminder that climate change is causing outdoor sporting events to be played under more extreme circumstances. As seen during the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, temperatures reached as high as 113F, with most of the country experiencing heat in the 90s during that year's June heatwave.

Efforts are being made to ensure the well-being of players and fans amid these demanding conditions. Hydration breaks have become increasingly common in soccer matches, with the National Women's Soccer League requiring breaks when the wet bulb globe temperature reads at least 82. The U.S. Soccer Federation recommends breaks at a wet bulb globe reading of 89.6.

Moreover, the National Weather Service warns of a UV index of 10 during the U.S. women's farewell friendly, indicating a "very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure." The Environmental Protection Agency advises the use of at least SPF 30 sunscreen when the UV index reaches three or higher.

As the team continues to navigate these extreme conditions, midfielder Rose Lavelle shared her advice on avoiding sunscreen drips in the eyes due to sweating. Lavelle suggests applying sunscreen an hour before going outdoors to allow it to soak in better, but acknowledges that on hotter days, it may be challenging to avoid entirely.

The U.S. women's national team's preparation in facing the current heatwave during their Olympic farewell friendly against Costa Rica serves as a valuable experience and test for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. With measures in place to prioritize player safety, they are ready to showcase their skills and determination amidst the sweltering conditions of the tournament.