Severe weather, including the possibility of isolated tornadoes, has been forecast for Kansas City, creating a potential disruption for the Tunisia versus Netherlands World Cup match scheduled for Thursday night. Meteorologists from AccuWeather have warned of severe storms that could bring damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours to the area.
The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. local time, a period close to when thunderstorms are predicted to hit. AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Douty indicated that while the most significant risk for severe thunderstorms might pass south of the city, rain and storms are still expected to move through Kansas City on Thursday evening. This could lead to a wet field and potential lightning delays, which might be lengthy.
This is not the first weather-related issue to affect the World Cup. The game between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was delayed for over two hours due to storms and heavy rain. Earlier in the tournament, intense heat prompted FIFA to implement 'hydration breaks' during matches.
AccuWeather also forecasts that extreme heat, described as a "Heat Dome," could become a significant factor during the knockout stages, which begin Sunday. Temperatures could rise into the mid-90s across the central and eastern United States, potentially impacting games on the East Coast and as far west as Kansas City. Subsequent matches are scheduled in New York/New Jersey on June 30 and Boston on June 29, with Kansas City hosting another knockout game on July 3.
