How Weather Affects Sports

Posted by Aurae Beidler Jan 29, 2008

How Weather Affects Sports

As I watched the NFL's NFC Title game last weekend, I couldn’t help but notice how weather affects outdoor sports. The game was played in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in sub-freezing weather. Fans, players and coaching staff endured the freezing weather and snow to watch a game of football. The freezing temperatures influenced how the football traveled in the air, perhaps causing missed field goals. Wind can have a great effect on many sports, such as football, baseball, golf, tennis and many others.

How does the weather affect other sports? Read below.

Baseball

In hot, humid weather, like in Florida, baseballs travel further. Differences in air pressure can also shape the sport. In Denver, a baseball travels further because the air has a lower density. Baseball games are delayed due to rain and thunderstorms. The College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska is plagued by thunderstorms some years. There’s one way to ice the pitcher!

Golf

Golf tournaments are ruled by thunderstorms and lightning. It’s a fact that golfers have been struck while on the golf course. In 2004, at a Colorado golf tournament, 19 golfers were struck by lightning, according to the National Lightning Safety Institute. Each year 100 people are killed by lightning strikes across the country. If there’s even a chance lightning could strike, golf games and tournaments are delayed or called off. Heavy rain and flooding can also damage golf courses.