Extreme Heat Protocols
CDPH GUIDANCE
WPUSD uses guidance from the California Department of Public Heath (CDPH) updated in July 2024: CDPH Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat
CIF Extreme Heat and Air Quality Policy for Athletics ONLY
For California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) member schools: As per California State Law Assembly Bill (AB) 1653 and CIF Bylaw 503.K. Heat Illness and 503.L. Air Quality Index Protocols, all CIF member schools must adhere to the CIF Heat Illness Prevention and Heat Acclimatization Policies as outlined in the CIF Extreme Heat and Air Quality Policy (PDF).
NOTE: All CIF Sports use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover (solar radiation). This differs from the Heat Index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity and is calculated for shady areas. Athletic participation for all CIF sports will be based on the WGBT thresholds as indicated in the CIF Extreme Heat Procedures linked above.
Determining Heat Risk Level
Heat affects everyone differently. In order to better address heat risk and allow you to prepare for upcoming heat events, the National Weather Service (NWS) has developed the HeatRisk prototype forecast. The NWS HeatRisk forecast provides a quick view of heat risk potential over the upcoming seven days. The heat risk is portrayed in a numeric (0-4) and color (green/yellow/orange/red/magenta) scale which is similar in approach to the Air Quality Index (AQI) or the UV Index. In a similar way, it provides one value each day that indicates the approximate level of heat risk concern for any location, along with identifying the groups who are most at risk.
CDPH Temperature Thresholds
Use the HeakRisk Forecast (linked above) to determine the current conditions. Then use the Head Risk Grid below to determine what actions to take.
