Heat and climate change in the 2025 summer of sport

Extreme temperatures defined the summer 2025 events, prompting heat safety measures for both players and fans. Hydration strategies helped reduce health risks. Prioritizing both sustainability and safety, organizers promoted water refilling stations and minimized plastic waste while ensuring the wellbeing of spectators.

As climate change drives temperatures higher, extreme heat is becoming a defining challenge for the world of sports. The summer of 2025 showcased just how disruptive soaring temperatures can be, affecting athletes’ performance, fan safety, and event operations alike.

At Wimbledon 2025, temperatures climbed to an uncomfortable 32–34°C during the first days of play. The heat forced delays, including during a match between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova, when some spectators seated in unshaded areas showed signs of heat-related distress. To face this challenge, Wimbledon implemented the “heat rule”, which grants players a 10-minute cooling break between certain sets whenever the heat stress index crosses a critical threshold. Organisers also introduced real-time heat monitoring to inform decisions, while providing additional hydration stations and encouraging players and staff to use cooling aids like ice towels.

Meanwhile, at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, a heatwave pushed temperatures beyond 35°C in several host cities. In response, UEFA introduced practical measures during the tournament to protect players and fans, showing a commitment to sustainability and wellbeing. Fans were encouraged to bring small reusable water bottles into stadiums, improving hydration access without adding plastic waste. On the pitch, referees were authorised to call cooling breaks during matches to allow athletes to rehydrate and recover safely. Fan zones went beyond simple shade, installing misting stations and cool retreats to help spectators beat the heat comfortably.

These responses highlight an important shift in sports event management, recognising that extreme heat is no longer a rare anomaly, but a pressing issue requiring proactive solutions. The physical toll on athletes can be severe — dehydration, heat exhaustion, diminished performance — and spectators face health risks too, especially when exposed to prolonged sun in crowded venues.

Organisers are rising to the challenge by:

• integrating real-time heat monitoring;
• adjusting match schedules to avoid peak afternoon heat;
• redesigning fan areas with sustainability and comfort in mind.

By encouraging the use of refilling bottles and providing public water stations, events like the Women’s Euro are reducing single-use plastic waste while keeping everyone hydrated.

Looking ahead, sports will need to continue evolving: from venue design that promotes airflow and shade, to stricter heat-related policies and flexible scheduling.

In conclusion, Wimbledon 2025 and the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 offered a blueprint for how sports can adapt to the realities of a warming planet. If these solutions become standard practice, the world of sports can continue to thrive — even when the heat is on.