Iowa High Schools Tighten Heat Protocols as WBGT Hits 87 in Orange Zone
Updated
Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Jun 30
Iowa High Schools Tighten Heat Protocols as WBGT Hits 87 in Orange Zone
3 articles · Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Jun 30
Summary
Iowa high school baseball and softball teams are adding hydration, cooling gear and closer athlete monitoring as temperatures jump into the 90s.
Ankeny staff said the risk has been sharpened by a rapid swing from 75 degrees on Saturday to 92 on Monday, leaving less time for athletes to acclimate.
WBGT monitors — which factor in humidity, sun and wind as well as air temperature — are guiding decisions, with an 87 reading placing conditions in the orange zone.
Under Iowa heat guidance, that zone can trigger more and longer water breaks, shorter or lighter practices, equipment changes, and delays, postponements or cancellations if conditions worsen.
Schools are also expected to have cold-water immersion and emergency action plans ready as Iowa enters the hottest stretch of its summer sports season.