Australian Open in record heat danger: How hot could it get in Melbourne?

Tuesday is set to be the hottest day of this year’s Australian Open, surpassing last Saturday’s sweltering 104°F. Forecasts indicate temperatures in Melbourne could reach 113°F, tying the current record set in 2009, and may climb even higher later in the afternoon. The peak of heat stress is expected around 4 p.m. local time, following a couple of milder days.

Retractable-roof courts to shield players

To cope with the extreme conditions, matches on courts with retractable roofs will be played indoors. Rod Laver Arena will open play at 11:30 a.m., while Margaret Court Arena will start at 11 a.m. John Cain Arena will remain closed as it is being prepared for the AO Live music festival, but its air-conditioned concourse will be open to fans. Outdoor courts will begin matches at 9 a.m., except for KIA Arena, which will start at 10:30 a.m. Wheelchair tennis competitions are postponed until Wednesday.

Special measures are also in place for tournament staff, including ball kids. They will work shorter rotations with longer breaks and additional relief teams. Their lounge is fully air-conditioned and stocked with unlimited water, fruit, and electrolyte-frozen posts. Medical personnel are on-site to ensure their safety.

Matches could be suspended

Tennis Australia introduced a Heat Stress Scale in 2019 after extensive research and testing. The system evaluates four environmental factors - air temperature, solar radiation, humidity, and wind speed - from multiple points around Melbourne Park. On a scale from 1 to 5, conditions high enough to warrant suspending outdoor matches would be triggered under extreme heat.

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