NFL training camps are underway across the country, beginning several weeks of practices during one of the hottest stretches of the year. But the camp recording the highest temperature may not necessarily create the greatest heat stress for players. 

Humidity, sunlight and wind can make muggy Florida heat feel very different from the dry heat in Arizona or Nevada. By grouping all 32 camps into three heat-exposure categories, we can see which teams face persistent heat, which are more weather-dependent and which cooler locations are still vulnerable. 

Temperature alone does not tell the full story 

The standard temperature, also called the dry-bulb temperature, only measures how hot the air is, not accounting for how humidity, sunlight and wind affect the body’s ability to cool off. 

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That is where wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) becomes useful. WBGT combines those factors to provide a broader measure of outdoor heat stress. In humid locations, sweat evaporates more slowly, making it harder for the body to cool itself. In dry climates, sweat evaporates more effectively, but dehydration can occur rapidly. 

We grouped all 32 training camps into three heat exposure tiers — showing which teams face the greatest risk based on heat, humidity, and intense sunlight.

(MORE: These NFL games may have the most interesting weather) 

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How all 32 NFL training camps stack up

Camps where heat is a constant opponent:

For several teams, extreme heat is a part of the daily environment. Camps across Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Southeast and the Desert Southwest are the most likely to face heat stress throughout several weeks. 

The Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints must contend with high humidity that limits sweat evaporation. The Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders also experience prolonged periods of excessive heat and moisture. 

Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders face a different challenge: extreme temperatures and intense sunlight, leading to rapid dehydration from the dry air. 

Camps where conditions can rapidly change: 

These camps fall into the middle category because their heat exposure depends more heavily on the larger weather pattern. Conditions may be manageable for several days, but a building ridge, rising humidity or a regional heat wave can quickly increase the risk.

The Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and New York Jets may experience stretches of cool weather followed by sudden periods of intense heat and humidity. 

(MORE: Heat Training Acts As 'Poor Man's Altitude Training' To Boost Athletic Performance)

The Denver Broncos face extensive sunlight, dry air and the added challenge of elevation, while the Los Angeles Rams and the Chargers can see conditions vary depending on the cooling marine air in the Mediterranean climate.  

While these teams all see days of prolonged heat, a heat dome can quickly raise the level of heat stress. 

Camps on the cooler side, but not immune:

These camps typically benefit from northern latitude, coastal influence and milder average summer temperatures. But a strong heat wave can quickly raise heat stress. 

The Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions generally face cooler conditions than teams further south. However, these locations have faced major heat stress already this summer from the heat dome and record heat in the Great Lakes.

The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers benefit from coastal moderation, and so will the Dallas Cowboys with their camp in Oxnard, California. But they are not immune from heat stress from shifting climate patterns.

Turning weather data into safer practices

Teams can use on-site WBGT readings to adjust practices as heat stress increases, giving coaches and medical staff the tools to make informed decisions before conditions become dangerous. Those adjustments may include adding hydration and rest breaks, shortening high-intensity drills, reducing equipment or moving practice to a cooler time of day or indoors.

Heat acclimatization is another critical part of preparation. Gradually increasing workload and equipment during the first days of camp gives players time to adapt to the heat — especially rookies adjusting to the intense physical demands of their first NFL camp. Medical and training staff play a key role in monitoring athletes for early signs of heat illness before they escalate.

Faiza Mohammed is a meteorologist intern at weather.com. She studied geography and worked with the Weather Dawgs team at the University of Georgia. She also received her master's in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology.