SOARING temperatures are set to make things a little uncomfortable for players and spectators alike at the Australian Open.
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A trough drawing some very hot air from the interior down to Melbourne is the cause.
Currently, temperatures are set to rise rapidly today, hitting maximums of between 33 and 36 degrees.
There could be some potential for organisers to instigate the Extreme Heat Policy, initiated in the 1998 tournament. Within the policy, various actions could be undertaken. These vary from increasing rests breaks between sets to postponing all matches played on the outside courts.
The limitations are based on humidity and allude to 'heat stress'. Thankfully, during Friday much of the heat will be dry and is unlikely to cause any major disruption.
All the same, spectators and players should be aware of the fierce sun at this time of year and also take on plenty of fluids.
For the weekend, a very different scenario will unfold. Cloudier skies with the chance of a shower during Saturday morning should clear to a dry afternoon. Sunday should see a return to sunnier weather.
The weekend will be much cooler though, before the mercury heads skywards into next Tuesday.
