Houston’s World Cup fan festival got off to a brutal start as soaring temperatures left 22 people needing treatment for heat-related illnesses on the first day.

Four fans were taken to the hospital after their conditions became more serious, as crowds struggled with the Texas heat during the festival.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said at least two of the cases involved heatstroke. She also called for more protections for fans attending FIFA’s fan festival in Houston.

“We need more shade,” Hidalgo said. “There are two areas that really have air conditioning. It’s the Houston Hall and then there is the NASA bubble.”

Hidalgo also raised concerns about the number of hydration stations available and said misting stations were not doing enough to keep people cool in the extreme heat.

Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue through the weekend in Texas, with temperatures climbing into the high 90s and heat index values reaching the 100s.

The early heat problems have sparked concern as Houston prepares to host World Cup matches in the middle of an already-scorching American summer.

Juan Garcia, chair of the Houston Sports Authority, pushed back on some of the criticism and urged visitors to take precautions.

Fans, he said, need to “come prepared” and take breaks from the heat.

Officials are especially worried about out-of-town visitors who may not be used to Houston’s intense humidity.

“I will tell you, one of the big concerns or challenges we have is just our weather over the next 39 days,” Brian Mason, director of the Houston Office of Emergency Management, said.

“Especially, we’re going to have a lot of out-of-towners, visitors who aren’t used to our heat and humidity,” he added.

Mason urged fans to listen to their bodies and drink plenty of water.

“Please make sure you hydrate, and hydrate, and hydrate some more,” he said.

Despite the dangerous heat, fans still turned out in high spirits for the festival, including supporters watching Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener.

Houston’s World Cup schedule begins Sunday when Germany faces Curacao.

The city will also host Portugal against Congo DR, the Netherlands against Sweden, Portugal against Uzbekistan and Cape Verde against Saudi Arabia during the group stage.

Houston is also scheduled to host two knockout-round matches, including a Round of 32 game and a Round of 16 matchup. The city’s final World Cup game is set for July 4.