Updated Oct. 3, 2019 8:10 PM
While the Major League Baseball playoff schedule is just starting to heat up, this weekend's scorching temperatures could play a role in determining the outcome of the games.
As the divisional series round of play gets underway, no place will be hotter than Atlanta was on Thursday for the first clash between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park.
"A string of record hot days dating back to the weekend will continue through Friday in Atlanta," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger said. "It will be sizzling when the Braves take the mound to open up the National League Divisional Series."
On Thursday, the mercury climbed to 97 before 2 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) reported on Twitter, shattering the 108-year-old daily record and becoming the hottest October day for Atlanta. The previous hottest October day for the city had been 96, set just one day prior. Temperatures remained in the 90s through the first pitch of Game 1.
Atlanta Braves left fielder Ronald Acuna, Jr. (13) stands in the sun in the outfield in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Zarrilli)
As Deger mentioned, this heat won't just be a problem for Game 1. With the second game of the series also being played in Atlanta on Friday night and AccuWeather forecasts calling for a high of 96, the players will need to adjust to the conditions.
"Fans and players alike will have to take precautions to protect themselves from the extreme heat, including staying well hydrated," Deger said. "It will probably take until the late innings for the mercury to fall below 90 F, so the uncomfortably warm weather will persist well after dark."
According to Rotowire.com, the sunny skies and light winds blowing toward center field should aid hitters and will create a higher home run potential in Game 1.
Built in 2017, SunTrust Park is equipped with air conditioning to help with the heat, but the organization will take further measures on Thursday night to ensure fan safety. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, water stations will be set up two-and-a-half hours before the first pitch to help fans stay hydrated. Cooling stations will also be set up at first aid locations in numerous areas.
Baseball fan Jason Stanley finishes off a cool treat as he stands in the shade to seek shelter from the heat before the start of a baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, July 1, 2018, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Last month, Braves pitcher Mike Fotynewicz had to be pulled from a game due to dehydration concerns. While Fotynewicz may not play a role in Thursday night's series opener, he has been named as a potential pitcher for Friday night's game, which will be equally warm.
"A similar weather picture is expected for game 2 on Friday, with the first pitch temperature expected to be near the day’s forecast high, which will also be a daily record high," Deger said. "Relief from the heat will be had when the series moves to St. Louis on Sunday, with a first pitch time of 4:10 p.m. EDT. Temperatures around then will be close to the day's forecast high of 71, dipping into the 60s later in the game under partly sunny skies."
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