Electric and traditional handheld fans have sold out at the four shops in the All England Club as Wimbledon spectators swelter under a third heatwave in as many months. The Wimbledon-branded fans, priced at £16 for hand fans and £20 for electric versions, have been a popular choice for tennis enthusiasts trying to cool off while watching the action. The hand fans sold out on Sunday, followed by the electric fans on Monday, and both are listed as out of stock online.
Temperature Peaks and Spectator Measures
Temperatures in SW19 are expected to hit 34°C on Thursday, with Wednesday already reaching 32°C. The hottest temperature recorded at Wimbledon during the championships is 35.7°C, set in July 2015. Many spectators have been seen sheltering in shady spots and under umbrellas, while the All England Club has encouraged guests to stay hydrated and keep safe under the sun.
Organisers have created more shady areas ahead of the tournament, and thousands in the famous queue are receiving free suncream. Suncream has been flying off the shelves at Wimbledon’s onsite pharmacy, with the current stock expected to last until the end of the championships on Sunday. However, more could be delivered due to increased demand.
Suncream and Health Products in High Demand
Wimbledon sources insist there is a plentiful supply of suncream. A spokesperson for La Roche-Posay, the suncare supplier for the championships, said: “In the high temperatures our products have proved extremely popular, showing that spectators are taking their sun safety seriously. As part of our partnership with Wimbledon we have worked to increase the volumes through the onsite pharmacy reflecting the high demand.”
Other popular purchases include plasters for blisters, antihistamines, painkillers, and electrolytes to aid hydration. An amber heat health alert from the UK Health Security Agency is in place for London and other areas until 9pm on Sunday. Wimbledon’s iconic military stewards are also handing out free suncream and extra water to attendees, with personnel warning that sunstroke is the biggest risk to spectators. Heat-related illnesses are understood to be below levels seen last year. The All England Club was approached for comment.
