Fans at the NPC final in Ōtautahi faced extreme heat as temperatures reached 32.5C, prompting a record number of water bottles to be sold at the stadium. The event, held at 2pm, saw crowds push through despite the sweltering conditions. Venues Ōtautahi reported that the intense heat led to long lines at water stations, with some fans running at full speed to stay hydrated. The high temperature was attributed to the early afternoon start time, which exacerbated the heat in the stadium bowl. Officials noted that the event’s timing coincided with peak heat, creating a challenging environment for spectators. The sale of over 4,000 bottles highlighted the demand for hydration, with fans relying heavily on bottled water to cope with the conditions. The NPC final remains a major sporting event, but this year’s conditions set a new benchmark for heat-related challenges at such gatherings. The situation underscores the growing impact of rising temperatures on large-scale outdoor events.