Canberra is preparing for extreme weather conditions as the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a severe heatwave, with Wednesday expected to reach a scorching 42 degrees Celsius. This temperature would mark the second-hottest January day on record for the capital, just two degrees shy of the all-time high recorded during the Black Summer bushfires in 2020.
Sports Organisations on High Alert
The intense heat has prompted local sports organisations to closely monitor conditions and prepare for potential disruptions. Matches may face postponements or delays, with safety protocols being activated to protect athletes from the dangerous temperatures.
Football and Cricket Adjustments
Canberra United's A-League Women's match against Melbourne Victory at McKellar Park is scheduled for Saturday evening with a 5:30pm kick-off, despite forecasts predicting 39-degree heat. The Australian Professional Leagues, which oversees the A-Leagues, will implement its heat policy based on real-time conditions.
Cooling breaks are likely to be introduced, involving additional drinks, shade seeking, and the use of wet towels or ice vests. The match commissioner and club doctors will determine the number of breaks up to thirty minutes before the game begins. If ambient temperatures exceed 37 degrees with a wet bulb globe temperature of 28 or higher, delays or postponements may be considered.
Meanwhile, ACT Premier Cricket's first-grade men's two-day competition faces potential postponement on Saturday. Cricket Australia's heat stress risk index, which factors in temperature, wind speed, humidity, and solar radiation, currently indicates a score of 10 for the forecast conditions. This score recommends that matches be abandoned or postponed to ensure player safety.
Brumbies' Proactive Heat Management
The Brumbies Super Rugby squad is employing various strategies to combat the heat as they prepare for their first trial match against the Western Force in Perth. With temperatures in Perth expected to reach 32 degrees on Friday, the team has been conducting heat training sessions to acclimatise.
Ryan Clayton, the Brumbies' head of performance, explained their comprehensive approach. "We structure regular drinks breaks, use electrolytes, and employ a slushy machine to lower body temperature," he said. "Pre-cooling techniques are used before exercise, and ice baths are strongly encouraged for recovery. This might be the only time players are eager to jump into an ice bath."
The trial match at Perth's Scotch College will feature two 40-minute halves, with officials prepared to introduce water breaks at the midway point of each half. Brumbies centre Jarrah McLeod acknowledged the challenge, stating, "It will be tough to play in the heat during a trial game. You have to stay mentally focused and in the moment to get through it."
Raiders' Training Adaptations
The Canberra Raiders NRL squad has adjusted their schedule to avoid the worst of the heat. Wednesday's record high coincides with their recovery day, allowing players to focus on indoor activities like massage and stretching rather than outdoor training.
For subsequent training sessions, the Raiders will monitor conditions using a weather meter that measures ambient temperature, wind speed, and humidity. In accordance with the NRL's heat policy, additional cooling breaks will be implemented if readings reach specific thresholds. The team may also reschedule field sessions to cooler parts of the day and provide extra cold towels and ice water.
As Canberra endures this extreme heatwave, sports organisations demonstrate their commitment to athlete welfare through careful planning and innovative cooling strategies. The community watches closely as teams adapt to ensure both safety and competition integrity during these challenging conditions.
