Summer is showing up early in Houston, with temperatures blazing into the mid and upper 90s this week and heat index values expected to soar between 100 and 105 degrees.
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Houston will face sweltering conditions more typical of late July and August. The National Weather Service is reminding residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat, and take frequent breaks if working or exercising outside.
With the early-season heat surge, local school districts are rolling out heat safety protocols for athletics, physical education classes, and outdoor events.
Klein ISD:
Klein ISD officials confirmed all campuses have working air conditioning systems in place. For outdoor physical education and athletics, the district is in its second year of using WBGT meters to guide heat-related decisions.
Each intermediate and high school campus is equipped with a handheld WBGT meter. Athletic trainers and coordinators will begin monitoring conditions one hour before practice on hot days to determine if adjustments are necessary. Temperature readings will be taken every 30 minutes during practice, with adjustments communicated directly to in-season head coaches.
The district’s guidelines, based on WBGT readings, outline restrictions ranging from extra water breaks and equipment modifications to limiting or canceling outdoor practices altogether. If the WBGT exceeds 92.1 degrees, no outdoor practices are allowed until conditions improve. Additionally, when temperatures climb above 80 degrees, all programs are required to provide a rapid cooling zone on-site to treat athletes showing signs of heat illness.
Cleveland ISD
Cleveland ISD says student and staff safety is a top priority during extreme heat. The district follows guidelines from local health authorities, TEA, and the National Weather Service. Outdoor activities may be moved indoors, rescheduled, or canceled based on the heat index. Hydration is encouraged throughout the day with extra water breaks and designated cooling areas available if needed. Bus ventilation is checked daily, and dismissal procedures may be adjusted to limit time in the sun. Families will be notified of any schedule changes through district communication channels.
This article will be updated as additional school districts share their heat safety plans and responses.