The decision to cancel school due to extreme heat isn’t solely based on temperature. It varies from region to region and even between school districts within the same state. Local policies, infrastructure, and community needs play a significant role.
As students, parents, and teachers know, schools may occasionally close due to extreme weather conditions. While winter snowstorms are well-known causes of closures, many wonder just how hot it needs to be for school to be canceled due to extreme heat. In this article, we’ll explain the factors influencing school closures due to heat in the United States.
Heat Index vs. Air Temperature
Heat Index Matters: Sometimes, the “feels-like” temperature, known as the heat index, is more important than the actual air temperature. The heat index factors in humidity and can make it feel much hotter than the thermometer reading.
Health and Safety Concerns
Keeping Students Safe: The primary concern for school closures due to heat is student safety. High temperatures, especially with high humidity, can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Air Conditioning and Infrastructure
The Role of School Facilities: Some schools in hotter regions are better equipped with air conditioning or climate control systems, making it more likely they’ll stay open during hot weather.
Local Precedents and Experience
Learning from the Past: Local school districts often make decisions based on past experiences. If there have been heat-related issues in the past, schools might be more likely to close when the temperature rises.
Parent and Community Feedback
Listening to Concerns: Parent and community feedback can influence school closure decisions. If there is widespread concern about extreme heat, schools may take it into consideration.
Alternatives to Closures
Flexible Solutions: In some cases, schools may implement alternative measures to deal with extreme heat, such as early dismissals, adjusted schedules, or relocating classes to cooler areas of the school.
How to Stay Informed
Keeping Updated: To find out if school is canceled due to heat, parents and students should stay informed through official channels. Check your school’s website, social media, local news, and automated calling systems for updates.
