(GPB News) — The Georgia Bulldogs kick off their 2026 football season on Saturday in extreme heat, with a forecasted high of 97º F at game time.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., when high humidity and high pressure will bring Saturday’s heat index into the triple digits across the state, in time for tens of thousands of Georgia fans to spend hours outside in Athens.
Andrew Grundstein is a professor at UGA who studies heat vulnerability. He warns fans to practice caution.
“Stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, and I know that’s going to be challenging at the game, but if you start not feeling well, try to get into a cooler location or get medical attention,” he said.
The University of Georgia Athletic Association is also urging fans to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities in the afternoon, and stay in the shade as much as possible.
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