The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang might have a new problem — it's too cold for everyone

pulse

December 30, 2017 6:06 PM

With temperatures reaching the single-digits and sometimes below zero, the cold could pose a threat to people visiting the Olympics.

The brutally cold temperatures in Pyeongchang, South Korea could pose a threat to the Winter Olympics.
Six people were treated for hypothermia at a recent concert held at the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium, which is open-aired.
It is reportedly too late to build a roof on the stadium and too expensive to install central heat.

After balmy Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Sochi, the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, are expected to be cold and it may become an issue.

According to a report from The Associated Press, Pyeongchang gets so cold in the winter that it could pose a threat for everyone involved.

Pyeongchang is one of the coldest regions in South Korea and the temperature in February is often in single-digits Fahrenheit with the wind chill, according to AP. All of which could be trouble for both the athletes and the spectators.

As AP notes, the newly built Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium is a 35,000-seat, open-air venue that will be used only for the opening and closing ceremonies for both the Olympics and Paralympics. At a recent concert held in the stadium, six people were treated for hypothermia while others huddled in the bathrooms to get a break from the cold.

According to AP, it is too late to build a roof on the stadium and too expensive to install central heat. It could be a major problem for spectators sitting for five hours during the ceremonies. The AP reported that midmorning temperatures at the arena were recently recorded at below-zero Fahrenheit.

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