Miami's weather forecast hints at a dual extreme threat today.

Fans pouring into South Florida for kickoff faced sweltering temperatures under a severe heat warning yesterday morning. Meanwhile, isolated thunderstorm activity is predicted to occur throughout the day today.

Crowds poured into Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on a Monday afternoon, eager to witness the inaugural World Cup match of the season, many prepared for unpredictable conditions.

June has arrived in South Florida.

On Monday morning, the National Weather Service sounded the alarm with a severe heat advisory for the area, cautioning that the temperature felt by people due to both heat and humidity would likely soar to an alarming 107 degrees Fahrenheit. The actual temperature at kickoff had already reached a sweltering 102 degrees.

A storm system threatens to unleash thunderstorms this evening, potentially affecting both Saudi Arabia and Uruguay simultaneously.

Uruguayan soccer enthusiasts, largely undeterred by Miami's unpredictable weather, gathered with unwavering enthusiasm, embracing their adopted city's reputation as the hub of Latin American culture.

Sebastián Schwartz, a 35-year-old visitor from Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital, found Miami's sweltering heat challenging, but noted an unusual presence of fellow Uruguayans in the city.

Arriving in Miami from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Alotabi, 20, was accustomed to scorching temperatures, yet found the city's crowded beaches overwhelming on the previous weekend.

Monday's severe heat advisory marked the start of a challenging period for the tournament. In contrast, Saturday's match between Qatar and Switzerland in Santa Clara, Calif., was played under a less intense heat warning; Monterrey, Mexico, another host city, is bracing itself for a significant temperature surge over the next few days.

The temperature during the tournament is a pressing issue for FIFA, the governing body behind the World Cup. The global average has risen by approximately 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit since the last World Cup, which took place in 1994 on the North American continent. That event was marked by scorching conditions, particularly at midday matches held in uncovered stadiums.

New stadiums have been constructed, while others have incorporated roofs or partial shade to mitigate the sun's impact, a notable example being Miami Gardens stadium, where seating areas are shielded from direct sunlight. FIFA has implemented mandatory hydration breaks for players, lasting three minutes each, in both halves of every match, regardless of the stadium's coverage and climate control systems.

FIFA's broadcast partners are taking advantage of the breaks to air commercials, which some see as unconventional.

Fortunately for players, no South Florida matches are scheduled for high noon, sidestepping the sweltering temperatures that come with it.

Fans gathered outside the stadium, some seeking refuge from the sun under sparse shade while others eagerly accepted paper fans distributed by a corporate sponsor. Bottles of water and electrolyte drinks were also in hand, alongside beer for some. The ominous sky darkened as clouds turned gray. A storm warning was in effect: if lightning struck within an eight-mile radius, play would be halted for 30 minutes until the danger passed.

At the pre-game festivities, Javier Hervith, a 48-year-old from La Plata, Argentina, removed his shirt about two hours ahead of schedule. He described the sweltering heat as "absolute perfection" in his native Spanish tongue.

Hailing from Argentina, he mentioned that during their winter, temperatures typically dip to a chilly 5 degrees Celsius (41 Fahrenheit). His enthusiasm was palpable.