Early on a recent Saturday morning, The Greyhound Bar & Grill in Los Angeles buzzed with soccer fans. They cheered while watching Paris Saint-Germain face Arsenal in the Champions League final. At 9:20 a.m., less than 30 minutes into the game, patrons spent $1,300 on alcohol.
Drinking while watching sports is common. However, mixing alcohol with extreme heat raises concerns. Experts warn that this combo poses risks, especially for those who don’t stay hydrated, keep cool, or have underlying health issues.
The Science of Heat and Alcohol
Climate change, driven by burning fossil fuels, increases summer heat’s danger. This raises concerns about heat stress for both soccer players and fans. Research shows alcohol consumption peaks in the summer, especially in hotter climates. People often drink to ease discomfort from heat.
Dr. Nathan Morris, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, explains, “Alcohol masks normal drives to cool down, leading to heat stress. Maybe we stay out longer in the heat and drink less water, adding strain on the body.”
Health Risks with Heat and Alcohol
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating. If the body can’t cool itself, heat stroke can happen, causing confusion and possible coma. Alcohol affects the central nervous system and increases urination, worsening dehydration in hot weather.
Dr. Lorenzo Leggio from the National Institutes of Health notes, “Heat plus drinking can cause symptoms like thirst and dizziness. Sun and alcohol heighten risks, and people may ignore sun protection when drinking.”
Tips for Safe Drinking During Heat
Dr. Leggio suggests avoiding alcohol altogether. If you drink, do it safely by eating beforehand, drinking water, and choosing low-alcohol drinks. Wear sunscreen, and have cold non-alcoholic options available. Stick with a friend who can help if you feel unwell.
Prof. Fabiano Amorim advises seeking shade to reduce heat stress. Drinking water and applying it to the skin helps. Eating cold treats like slushies can assist too.
Be alert to body signals like dizziness or confusion. Seek help if symptoms arise. During events, medical staff are available at stadiums and festivals.
“Hydrate well before hot events,” advises Daniel Tran, a bar patron. “Pace yourself to enjoy all the games.”
The Associated Press provides coverage on water and environmental topics, supported by the Walton Family Foundation.
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