Extreme weather conditions force schedule changes in Budapest
BUDAPEST, Hungary – Extreme weather conditions in Budapest, Hungary have forced the organisers of the World Athletics Championships to make adjustments to the competition schedule out of concern for the athletes.
A release sent out Tuesday morning (Budapest time) said “Our own recording system shows some very high Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) values which increases the risk of Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS).”
According to the release, “this is not an acceptable level for our athletes so we will be moving the heats to the women’s 5000m heats that were set to start at 11:00 am on Wednesday and will be run later in the day starting at 7:00 pm as the earlier time will be under “Black Flag WBGT Code.”
Additionally, the women’s 200m heats will now start earlier at 11:20 am and the men’s 200m heats at 12:15 pm.
WBGT is the recognised International standard for measuring heat, humidity and thermal stress conditions. WBGT Black flag level is the highest level where the WBGT is greater than 86°F (30°C) in World Athletics’ rules and regulations.
