SPOKANE, Wash. - Extreme heat forced the cancellation of high school girls soccer matches Tuesday night, as temperatures on turf fields soared well above safe playing conditions.

The season opener between Ferris and Coeur d'Alene High School was canceled at One Spokane Stadium, along with Wednesday's scheduled game between Rogers and Kettle Falls. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association cancels all outdoor activities when the heat index reaches 105 degrees or higher.

Turf fields present particular challenges during heat waves, as artificial surfaces can become significantly hotter than natural grass.

"Turf can sometimes 120 or 130 degrees and so automatically, by being on grass that's been watered can significantly reduce that 'feel-like' temperature," said Dr. Ryan Baker

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