Pasadena Schools Take Precautions as Excessive Heat Sweeps Across San Gabriel Valley

The Pasadena Unified School District is taking proactive steps to protect students and staff as an excessive heat warning blankets the San Gabriel Valley. The warning, along with air quality advisories, has been issued for Sept. 4 to 6, Wednesday through Friday.

 National Weather Service forecasters predict Thursday to top out at 105° while Friday could reach  107°. 

PUSD officials announced the cancellation of all outdoor athletic activities during this period, citing state law and California Interscholastic Federation guidelines for extreme heat. Home football, tennis, cross country, and outdoor aquatics events are among those affected.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are a top priority,” the District said in a statement. Schools are rescheduling outdoor and unconditioned indoor activities, typically held between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., to cooler times or different days.

As additional measures to combat the heat, PUSD will schedule water breaks for all classes and notify parents about the high temperatures. Schools are also checking temperatures of metal and plastic playground equipment and providing alternatives for students sensitive to unhealthy air quality.

PUSD is monitoring student mobility devices, including metal and vinyl parts, to ensure they’re safe to touch. The District’s Health Programs Department is closely tracking daily reports as temperatures rise, alerting schools to respond when conditions reach certain thresholds.

The District emphasized the importance of staying hydrated during the heatwave. 

“Please remember to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness and drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key during high temperatures!” the statement advised.

Classes may be relocated to cooler areas on campus if a school experiences limited or no access to water or air conditioning. The District is urging parents to dress students in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

With air quality advisories also in effect, PUSD is taking a comprehensive approach to ensure student safety and maintain a healthy learning environment amid challenging weather conditions, as indicated by the National Weather Service HeatRisk.