Broncos-49ers game hit with concerning weather forecast as GM weighs in
Broncos-49ers game hit with concerning weather forecast as GM weighs in
Tom MalleySat, October 3, 2026 at 11:57 AM UTC
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Levi's Stadium will experience sweltering conditions for Sunday's game between the 49ers and Broncos -Credit:Getty Images
Those attending Sunday's NFL clash between the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium could face temperatures as high as 94 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, after an official heat advisory was triggered for the Santa Clara area.
An extreme early-autumn heat wave means that this weekend's game, scheduled for a 1:25 p.m. PDT kickoff, could be the second-hottest game on record at Levi's Stadium, along with one of the top five hottest games in Broncos franchise history.
It follows on from the sweltering conditions experienced in San Francisco's 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, when temperatures hovered around 70 degrees, leading to defensive tackle Gracen Halton suffering from cramps.
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With temperatures expected to be even higher in Week 4, however, players could be at greater risk of cramping and dehydration, especially those of a Broncos persuasion.
While both teams now utilize new bench-shading protocols mandated by the NFL, the eastern side of Levi's Stadium, where the visitor's side is located, remains notoriously exposed to direct, blinding afternoon sunlight, making it brutal for Denver and fans in those sections.
San Francisco General Manager John Lynch, however, has downplayed concerns about the impending heat wave, noting that players will be well-equipped and prepared, and that cramping occurs even in mild 75-degree weather.
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"I think people might call Californians soft if we were complaining about this," Lynch said Thursday on KNBR. "We got pretty good weather out here, and I think our guys will be ready.
"There may be cramping issues, but there's been cramping issues when it's 75 degrees, too.
"Ultimately, both teams are gonna be in it … I have noticed, though, it kind of keeps trending up for Sunday. We’ll see what it is. I think our guys will be equipped and well prepared for it."
San Francisco star tight end George Kittle has also dismissed any concerns about hot weather during game time, stating that the 49ers have "no excuse" when speaking to reporters on Thursday.
The 49ers also experienced challenging heat conditions against the Cardinals last week -Credit:Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
"We're pretty blessed up here with the nice 70-degree weather, you know, with a nice breeze every single day," Kittle said. "So, there's no excuse."
To put the incoming 94-degree heat into perspective, the 49ers star also shrugged off the challenge by comparing it to what other teams handle as a baseline.
"The Dolphins play in crazy heat every single day, and then the entire East Coast plays in crazy games at the end of the year," Kittle added. "So, show up, play football, get an IV."
The high for a 49ers game at Levi's, set in 2024 against last weekend's opponents, Arizona, is 95 degrees. In that game, the hosts wilted, relinquishing a 13-point second-half lead in a one-point loss.
Source: “AOL Sports”
