California State Weather Policies for CIF Schools (2024/2025)

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) encourages the use of a weather monitoring device to track Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which is a more accurate measure of heat stress than standard temperature readings. By using a wet bulb globe temperature monitor, trainers can follow CIF heat stress guidelines and adjust practice schedules accordingly.

By using weather monitoring software, schools can set up automated alerts for lightning, WBGT thresholds, and extreme weather. This reduces the burden of manual tracking and ensures CIF policies are enforced consistently.

Monitoring WBGT is essential for protecting athletes’ health and safety during outdoor practices, games, and events.

A higher WBGT reading leads to a greater risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and muscle cramps.

Heat acclimatization is your body’s way of adapting to hot environments.

By gradually increasing your workload or exposure time in hot conditions over 1-2 weeks, you can significantly improve your heat tolerance.

This reduces the risk of heat stress and allows you to perform better in hot weather.

There are two main ways heat illness can strike:
1. Classic Heat Illness: This is caused by your environment’s impact on your body’s ability to cool down. Think high temperatures, humidity, direct sun, and no breeze.
2. Exertional Heat Illness (EHI): This one focuses on your own internal heat production. It can happen even in mild weather if you push yourself too hard.

Imagine heat stress as a warning light on your body’s dashboard. If heat stress isn’t addressed, it can progress to heat illness. This is a medical emergency where the body can no longer cool itself down effectively. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Read more here.

To measure WBGT, use a scientifically approved WBGT meter. The best way to measure it is by using Perry Weather’s advanced weather monitoring platform.

• Activate local Emergency Management Service.
• If necessary, carefully move the victim to a safer location.
• Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; initiate CPR if needed.
• Check for and treat hypothermia, shock, fractures, and burns.

• Do not shower, bathe, or use landline phones inside a safe shelter (cell phones are OK).
• Avoid being the highest point in an open field, or near the tallest object.
• Stay away from any open water.
• Do not seek shelter under or near trees, flagpoles, or light poles.
• Do not lie flat on the ground.

• Designate a safe shelter for each venue.
• All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site to seek a safe structure if they feel in danger of impending lightning.
• As a secondary option, a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and completely closed windows provides safety from lightning.
• Do not touch any part of the vehicle’s metal framework during a thunderstorm.

A safe shelter is any frequently inhabited building with four solid walls (not a dugout), electrical and telephone wiring, and plumbing, which aid in grounding the structure.

Yes. Lightning victims do not carry a residual electrical charge. However, prioritize checking for injuries and call emergency services immediately.

Some policies allow for designated “safe havens” under sturdy structures like bleachers (away from metal supports) or inside enclosed vehicles with the windows rolled up. However, this is a last resort.

Responsibilities may vary, but typically coaches, athletic trainers, and officials share the responsibility for monitoring weather conditions and enforcing safety procedures.