Why Your Manual WBGT Log is Obsolete
Working with a handheld Kestrel? Then you already know the drill: log the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reading, cross-check it against your heat policy, wait 15 minutes, and then do it all over again. Multiply that by every practice, every game, all season long—and suddenly you’re less of an athletic trainer and more of a meteorologist with a clipboard.
It’s 2025. That process shouldn’t exist anymore.
Perry Weather surveyed over 100 athletic trainers across the U.S. who have lived that reality. And we found one thing loud and clear: handheld WBGT meters like Kestrels just don’t cut it anymore for tracking and recording WBGT, especially when heat policies are enforced and auditable.
Let’s break down how automated WBGT data logging works, why it matters, and what the survey tells us about the real-world impact.
“We Got 40 Hours Back”: What Athletic Trainers Told Us
According to our 2025 Perry Weather survey:
- Athletic trainers using Perry Weather reported saving up to 40 hours per football season simply by eliminating manual WBGT tracking and documentation.
- 90% of athletic trainers said Perry Weather’s real-time WBGT and lightning data is more accurate and trustworthy than their old tools.
- 73% said the biggest time savings came from no longer needing to step outside and manually record heat index or WBGT.
- 79% said Perry Weather helps them respond faster to rising heat stress.
- 67% said it helps them prove compliance with state heat policies.
- 68% said it lets them increase safe practice time.
That’s an entire workweek back—time you can spend on hydration, rehab, or just staying sane during the football season.
“Before Perry Weather, we used handheld Kestrel and started 30 minutes early just to record data. Only one person could see the info. Now? Everyone knows the status in real time.” — Bishop Lynch High School
What’s Wrong With Manual WBGT Logging?
In theory, handheld WBGT meters like Kestrels are fine. In reality, they’re time-consuming, error-prone, and a logistical headache for ATs.
Here’s why:
Let’s start with the obvious: handheld WBGT meters like Kestrels require you to stand outside in the heat, log temperatures manually every 15-30 minutes, interpret the WBGT readings, and enforce safety decisions based on those readings.
And if you’re an athletic trainer, you’re already stretched thin. Between taping ankles, monitoring hydration, enforcing return-to-play protocols, and managing coaches’ expectations, you don’t have time to waste on guesswork or outdated tools.
Handheld Kestrels are All Manual
You’re responsible for capturing and recording WBGT readings multiple times per practice—on top of everything else you’re doing.
It’s Easy to Miss a Reading
One sprain or heat-related symptom pulls you away, and your WBGT logs and compliance trail go out the window.
It’s Prone to Human Error
Typos, missed readings, and forgotten logs happen. And when your logs are the only proof you followed the heat safety policy? That risk is real.
It Lacks Historical Data
Kestrels don’t store logs you can easily reference later if there’s ever a compliance question. If a parent, district official, or state association asks to see past WBGT logs, what do you have? A notepad? An Excel sheet? Good luck!
It Slows You Down
Time spent logging readings is time not spent coaching, evaluating athletes, or focusing on safety.
And when statewide mandates (like Texas UIL, NJSIAA, CIF, VHSL, or TSSAA) require specific WBGT thresholds and recordkeeping, that manual process becomes a liability risk too.
Nearly 65% of ATs told us that logging WBGT manually made it harder to stay compliant—and that storing, sharing, or retrieving old records was ‘frustrating’ or ‘inconsistent’ at best.
In fact, when we asked what part of the heat policy process causes the most anxiety, the most common answer was: “Keeping accurate logs we can defend if asked.”
“We Have Proof Now. Not Just Notes.”
That’s where Perry Weather comes in. Perry Weather’s automated WBGT tracking takes the guesswork (and grunt work) out of heat stress compliance.
Our on-site WBGT black bulb sensor captures and logs WBGT data every 5 minutes—automatically.
Better yet, your school’s exact policy thresholds are built right into the platform. So when conditions hit a caution or danger zone, the alerts go out to your staff instantly—by text, email, PA system, or outdoor siren.
“Our district uses Perry Weather across all schools. It’s the only tool that lets coaches, nurses, and admins see conditions in real time. No more arguments over heat levels. We all see the same thing.” — Paramus High School
One Texas athletic trainer put it best: “Before Perry Weather, I had to walk out to the field with my Kestrel and keep track of all the readings. Now it’s just there. It’s logged. I don’t have to worry about forgetting. We have proof now—not just notes.”
Those logs aren’t just for peace of mind.
They’re the difference between:
- Defending your call when a parent asks why practice was canceled.
- Showing up empty-handed during a compliance audit.
With Perry Weather, every WBGT reading is timestamped, stored, and downloadable. You’re not guessing. You’re protected.
What ATs Actually Do With That Time Back
So what does 40 extra hours in your season really look like? For many ATs, it means:
- More time for hydration and warm-up checks
- Better preparation for high-risk athletes
- Quicker triage and injury management
- Proactive planning, not reactive scrambling
“I keep Perry Weather open on my nightstand. I’ll check it before I sleep and again when I wake up. It takes the guesswork out of my day.” — Bay District Schools
At Round Rock Multipurpose Complex, where weather changes rapidly and athletic trainers oversee hundreds of players across different fields, Perry Weather gives the team a chance to stay ahead of the chaos.
“We don’t have to waste time wondering when we’ll have to clear the fields. We just check Perry Weather and plan hydration breaks or cool-down tents in advance.” — Round Rock Complex
And at Bishop Lynch, automation hasn’t just saved time—it’s changed the workflow altogether.
“Now that Perry Weather auto-logs everything, I’m not scrambling to explain a decision.” — Bishop Lynch High School
Instead of feeling like they’re constantly chasing compliance, athletic trainers are finally able to lead with strategy, not stress.
How Perry Weather Automates WBGT Tracking
Perry Weather does what your Kestrel can’t. Our platform uses an on-site WBGT sensor to measure conditions in real time—then automatically:
- Logs a New WBGT Reading Every 5 Minutes: Instead of the mandated 30- or 60-minute manual check, our system is always on, always recording. This provides a continuous, granular view of changing conditions, so you never miss a critical spike in heat stress.
- Pushes Alerts Based on Your School’s Exact Policy: The system isn’t just a sensor; it’s a command center. You can input your specific state or district policy directly into the platform.
Brian Wyatt, AD at Hardin Valley Academy, noted, “I just copy and paste our state policy into the Perry weather app”. When a threshold is crossed, alerts with custom instructions like “take the pads off” are automatically sent to the entire staff.
- Time-Stamps and Stores All Data for Compliance: Every reading and every alert is automatically logged and stored, creating a permanent, unalterable digital record. This eliminates the risk of “forgotten entries or lost records” that create compliance risks with manual logs.
The result is a system that ends the chaos. No more timers. No more paperwork. And no more of those “Did someone remember to record that?” moments.
The automation gives staff a single source of truth, leading to a 58% drop in weather-related schedule disputes with coaches.
Why Historical Data = Liability Protection
If there’s ever a heat-related incident, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: “Do you have a record of what the WBGT was at the time?”
With Perry Weather, the answer is always yes.
Every WBGT reading is logged, timestamped, and stored. That’s powerful protection—especially in states where failure to follow protocol can result in disciplinary action.
In the event of a complaint, injury, or audit, Perry Weather’s historical logs allow schools to:
- Demonstrate compliance down to the minute
- Defend staff decisions with concrete data
- Satisfy school boards, legal teams, and state associations
It’s not just about reacting to incidents—it’s about preventing future ones. Perry Weather’s reporting tools make it easy to:
- Analyze trends across seasons and locations
- Review past conditions during policy reviews
- Inform smarter scheduling and resource planning
- Provide clear documentation for risk managers and superintendents
It’s about being proactive, not just reactive. And when policies change—as they often do—your documentation doesn’t need to catch up. It’s already there, aligned to the latest standards.
Automated WBGT Reporting FAQs
What is the best way to track WBGT during athletic practices?
The most effective way to track wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) during sports practices is using an automated on-site WBGT monitoring system.
Manual tools like handheld Kestrels require constant attention and logging, while automated solutions like Perry Weather log WBGT every 5 minutes, send real-time alerts, and store data for compliance—all without interrupting your workflow.
How does automated WBGT logging help with compliance?
Automated WBGT logging creates a digital trail of every reading. Perry Weather automatically logs, timestamps, and stores data every 5 minutes—so you can prove compliance with state or district heat policies, protect against liability, and respond confidently during audits or investigations.
How much time can athletic trainers save with WBGT automation?
According to a 2025 Perry Weather survey, athletic trainers save up to 40 hours per season by switching from manual WBGT tracking to automated logging. That’s a full workweek reclaimed—time that can be spent on athlete care, hydration, injury prevention, or planning.
What happens if I miss a WBGT reading during practice?
If you’re using a manual tool like a Kestrel, missing a WBGT reading can put you out of compliance—and leave you without documentation in case of a heat-related incident. With Perry Weather, every WBGT reading is automatically recorded and stored, so nothing gets missed—even when you’re managing an emergency.
Can I download and share WBGT logs from Perry Weather?
Absolutely. Perry Weather provides downloadable WBGT logs that are timestamped and stored securely. You can easily share them with school officials, auditors, risk managers, or parents to demonstrate heat safety compliance and defend staff decisions.
Do I still need a Kestrel if I have Perry Weather?
No. Perry Weather replaces the need for handheld WBGT meters by using an on-site black bulb WBGT sensor that’s always on, always logging, and always accurate. It eliminates manual readings, paper logs, and guesswork—while offering more reliable data and stronger policy enforcement.
How does automated WBGT monitoring improve athlete safety?
Automated WBGT systems like Perry Weather improve safety by providing real-time alerts when conditions become dangerous, ensuring staff take action faster. With better visibility, faster decision-making, and policy-based guidance, you can reduce heat-related incidents and improve outcomes for student-athletes.
Is Perry Weather compliant with state heat safety policies like UIL or CIF?
Yes. Perry Weather lets you upload your exact state or district heat policy (UIL, CIF, VHSL, NJSIAA, TSSAA, etc.) directly into the platform. When thresholds are crossed, automated alerts are sent to staff with clear instructions—keeping your team compliant and consistent.
Ready to Take the Clipboard and Kestrel Out of the Equation?
If you’re still relying on handheld WBGT meters, it’s time to rethink your process. Perry Weather gives you:
- Automated WBGT readings every 5 minutes
- Policy-based alerts across your campus
- Downloadable historical logs for audits and planning
- 40+ hours of time saved every football season
- Less guesswork, more athlete focus
- Stronger compliance and liability protection
We built Perry Weather for athletic trainers. Because you deserve tools that work as hard as you do. Thousands of athletic trainers across the country have already made the switch to automated WBGT logging via Perry Weather—because they know that real protection starts with real data.
See it for yourself. Try Perry Weather free for 14 days.
