Weather Conditions Affect Sports

Wind, Humidity, Temperature and Precipitation Effects on Football

Feb 21, 2008 Aurae Beidler

Adverse weather conditions can have a powerful effect on how sports are played or if they are played at all. Wind, rain, fog and snow affect outdoor sports like football.

Weather can have a great effect on outdoor sports. Wind, lightning, humidity, temperature, and precipitation can cause delays and change how sports are played.

Wind

Wind has a great effect on many sports, such as football, baseball, golf, tennis and many others. Any game that involves objects flying through the air is affected by wind. In the most simple explanation, wind affects the direction the ball goes. In football and soccer, kickers must determine which way the wind is blowing, as it will carry the ball once it is in the air. Golf players need to determine wind direction, and how spin will interact with the ball as it nears the ground. Wind blowing towards the homeplate in baseball is not as conductive for homeruns.

Thunderstorms with Lightning

Golf tournaments are governed by thunderstorms and lightning. Golfers have been struck by lightning while on the golf course, so safety precautions must be taken. In 2004, during a Colorado golf tournament, 19 golfers were struck by lightning, according to the National Lightning Safety Institute. Each year 100 people are killed by lightning strikes across the country. If there is even a chance lightning could strike, golf games and tournaments are delayed or cancelled. Heavy rain and flooding during thunderstorms can also damage golf courses.

At times, baseball games are delayed due to rain and thunderstorms, especially in the Mid-West. The field is covered until the storm passes. If lightning threatens, safety precautions are taken. The College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska is plagued by thunderstorms some years, causing long delays. There’s one way to ice the pitcher!

Humidity

In hot, humid weather, as in Florida, objects like baseballs travel further. Differences in air pressure can also shape the sport of baseball. In Denver, a baseball travels further because the air has a lower density at the higher elevation. Homeruns can occur more frequently in these type of locations.

Temperature and Precipitation

Cold, wet weather affects football both around the world, known to Americans as soccer and football in the United States. An example of a sport played in cold weather is the NFL football playoff games played in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in sub-freezing weather. Fans, players and coaching staff endure the freezing weather and snow to watch a game of football. The freezing temperatures influence how the football travels through the air, perhaps causing missed field goals.

Heavy rain and fog can lower visibility. In fog and mist, teammates may not be able to see each other or their opponents. In football, kickers will have a more difficult time making fieldgoals, quarterbacks might not hit their targets and referees may miss calls. The same is true for soccer. Players must anticipate these weather conditions that may affect play.

The copyright of the article Weather Conditions Affect Sports in Meteorology & Climatology is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Weather Conditions Affect Sports in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Football Game at Oregon State, Jeff Beidler Football Game at Oregon State
   
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Comments

Mar 6, 2009 9:14 AM
Guest :
ok now i get it so that is how weather affect sports now i get that was so easy to guess
May 3, 2009 2:37 PM
Guest :
ya the only part that was a surprise to me was the humidity part.
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