The summertime heat in the southern United States is legendary. Temperature ranges between 32 and 38 degrees are not uncommon. But, as the old American saying goes, it's not the heat, it's the humidity. The level of moisture in the air during an Atlanta summer is generally 80 percent and sometimes higher.
Climatic conditions are oppressive.
While the human body can attempt to cool itself through perspiration, the combination of heat and humidity makes the perspiration mechanism less effective. Olympic organizers are concerned about how the heat will affect athletes from the more temperate regions of northern Europe, but they are more worried about the spectators. The athletes will be in peak physical condition, and hundreds of them are or will be training at colleges and universities and other sports centers in southern states. Many fans will be older and unconditioned, staying up late, partying, going out into the heat, and walking long distances. Many events, such as the gymnastics and swimming competitions and basketball games, will occur in air-conditioned, indoor venues.