As Northern Hemisphere temperatures soar, a new app shows players' heat risk for sport

[OKIsItJustMe]

https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2026/06/25/as-northern-hemisphere-temperatures-soar--a-new-app-shows-player.html

25 June 2026

Online sports heat risk app launched internationally to help players check their heat risk across 33 sports, including football

As temperatures soar across the Northern Hemisphere, a free tool lets anyone, anywhere check how dangerous the heat really is for their sport and decide whether it is safe to play.

Most people who play sport judge heat by the temperature, or simply by how it feels. But the real danger depends on much more than that. Humidity, the sun, and how hard you are working all affect how much heat your body has to shed, which is why two days at the same temperature can carry very different risks.

The Sports Heat Tool, developed at the University of Sydney, now calculates that risk for anyone, providing sport-specific guidance on heat exposure and a clear answer to a question that millions of people ask each summer: is it too hot to play?

The interactive online tool, downloadable for free from the Apple App Store and online, is designed to help people monitor their heat risk while participating in more than 33 sports and guide safe participation during hot conditions.

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[in2herbs]

1. This is what I don't understand. A lot of people, including here on DU, complain about their privacy and

worry about the govt having too much information and access to our privacy, yet this Apple app monitors a person's risk of heat exposure by monitoring their vitals. Does any one even question where the information about their vitals is being stored before they download the app?

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. I don't see anything that says it "monitors their vitals".

You give it an age profile, location and sport, and it suggests how to plan for the next 7 days, using weather forecasts. The age doesn't have to be yours; I'd expect people to use it for friends and family too, but you don't have to name them.

[in2herbs]

3. The article states "and how hard you are working" How can this be determined w/o info on vitals??? nt

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Because the sports scientists have produced profiles for different sports, as played by various ages

Sports Heat Tool helps people plan sport and physical activity in hot conditions worldwide.

Select an age profile, sport and location to view the current sport heat-risk level and a 7-day forecast. The app combines location-specific weather data with sport-specific activity profiles to provide practical recommendations for hydration, clothing, rest breaks, active cooling and when activity should be suspended.

The tool is based on the Sports Medicine Australia Extreme Heat Risk and Response Guidelines and methodology developed by the Heat and Health Research Centre at The University of Sydney.

Sports Heat Tool provides general information for education and planning only. It does not provide medical advice. If you feel unwell, suspect heat illness or have a medical emergency, stop activity and seek medical help immediately.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sports-heat-tool/id6773559030

It's about planning, not monitoring.