Heat wave to scorch France as 2019 Women's World Cup continues

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

As the round of 16 continues at the 2019 Women's World Cup, a building heat wave will add another hurdle for the players and teams hoping to lay claim to the title of best in the world.

The final matches of the round of 16 will take place on Tuesday, setting the stage for the quarterfinals to begin on Thursday.

Matches taking place in Montpellier and Rennes will both avoid the worst of the heat wave that grips much of the country.

The US team pose for a group photo ahead the Women's World Cup Group F soccer match between Sweden and the United States at Stade Océane, in Le Havre, France, Thursday, June 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

The biggest concern for these matches will be the risk for a showers or thunderstorms in Rennes as the Netherlands take on Japan for the final spot in the quarterfinals.

A break in play will occur on Wednesday before action resumes with the first match of the quarterfinals on Thursday between Norway and England.

The match will take place in Le Havre, where a cooling sea breeze will help keep the heat at bay.

A high of 28 C (82 F) is expected in Le Havre, but anyone traveling farther inland will endure dangerous heat. A high temperature of 35 C (95 F) is forecast for Paris.

Quarterfinal action will continue on Friday as France takes on the United States.

Taking place in Paris, the core of the heat wave will bring dangerous heat to the area during the afternoon and evening hours.

A daytime high of 34 C (94 F) is expected as thousands of fans descend on the city. Remaining hydrated and avoiding lengthy exposure to sunshine is important to limit the risk for heat-related illnesses.

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Fortunately for the players, the match is slated to begin at 9 p.m., local time, avoiding the most extreme heat of the day.

Despite the late start, a temperature of 30 C (86 F) is still expected for kickoff with temperatures slowly lowering throughout the match.

The quarterfinals will come to an end on Saturday with matches in Valenciennes and Rennes.

Heat will be a concern at both matches with kickoff set for 3 p.m. in Valenciennes and 6:30 p.m. in Rennes.

The semi-finals will get underway on Tuesday, July, 2 with more seasonable temperatures expected.