How weather can help or hurt athletes competing in the New York City Triathlon

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NEW YORK CITY – From oppressive heat to pounding rain and blizzards, the weather has an effect on our everyday lives. This is especially true for those planning on participating in this year's New York City Triathlon.

Let us assure you – FOX Weather doesn't have a blizzard in the forecast for the start of the race on July 24.

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However, we are currently in the hottest month of the year, so while freezing temperatures and a wind chill won't be an issue, other weather conditions can be just as dangerous – and deadly.

In fact, temperatures were so hot in 2019 that race organizers were forced to cancel the event to keep athletes safe.

So, what weather conditions would be perfect for athletes and which conditions make it more difficult? We'll break it all down for you below.

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Ideal weather conditions

Every athlete is different, so there really aren't a set of perfect conditions for everyone.

However, most triathletes agree that cooler temperatures with low humidity are pretty close to perfect.

In addition, light to calm winds make running, biking and swimming much easier than fighting strong gusts as you're fighting for the finish line.

One thing most triathletes can agree on is to adapt to the weather because conditions can change in an instant.

Another good piece of advice – try and train for the conditions expected where the race will take place.

This means if you're headed to New York City for the triathlon and you're living in a colder climate, try and adjust your training so your body can acclimate to what is more likely to happen on race day.

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If you're headed to the NYC Triathlon this year, be sure to download the free FOX Weather app. There you can keep track of current conditions and receive important weather alerts if any are issued in your area.

In addition, the FutureView feature is a great way to get a look at expected conditions for a specific event. 

Poor weather conditions

If the weather isn't cooperating on race day, it will be tougher for athletes to make it to the finish line.

Scorching temperatures, high humidity, rain and strong winds will affect all of the athletes, not just the strongest and weakest.

If it's hot on race day, the swimming portion of the NYC Triathlon could be a nice break from the other strenuous legs of the race, like biking and running.

However, strong winds on race day could make swimming more difficult and dangerous. 

The temperature in the Hudson River is also important, as cold temperatures could bring on hypothermia and warm temperatures could make an athlete exhausted.

In fact, two people that were pulled from the Hudson River during the triathlon in 2011 died from cardiac arrest.

Triathletes themselves need to decide whether to compete in the swimming portion of the race or another leg altogether.

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Prepare and adapt

03:14

Heat and athletes: How to prevent heat illnesses and injuries

Kathy Dieringer, President of National Athletic Trainers' Association, talks about how to best prevent heat illnesses and injuries for athletes. 

If it's hot on race day, it's extremely important to stay hydrated.

According to trainright.com, triathletes should increase their hourly fluid intake by adding a water bottle filled with an electrolyte mix. It's also important to stay away from other carbohydrate-enriched drinks.

The website says separating hydration from nutrition helps to increase fluid intake to compensate for hot weather.

If it happens to be colder, dress for the weather. The website suggests wearing a wetsuit if the water temperature is on the colder side and to change into a dry pair of clothes before hitting the pavement on a run.

If heavy rain falls during the race, unless it's 80 degrees, athletes will want dry clothing at the finish line because they'll be cold, according to TrirightCoaching.com.

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The free FOX Weather livestream is also available 24/7 on the website and app and on your favorite streaming platform. The FOX Weather Update podcast also provides weather information for the entire country.