Welcome to the Illinois Weather Policy Guide, a handy resource for understanding the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) weather policies for athletics. We’ve streamlined the details so you get the information you need.
The IHSA considers all of Illinois a Class 2 WBGT zone, meaning that it adopts one WBGT rule for the entire state. The IHSA has established minimum WBGT standards that all member schools must follow for athletic activities, both outdoors and in non-air-conditioned indoor facilities. Here’s what the IHSA has mandated:
WBGT readings must be taken 30 minutes before activity and at least every 30 minutes during activity, using a Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer. Readings must be recorded in writing and kept on file.
Schools must provide cooling stations — shade, ice towels, misting fans, etc. — before, during, and after activity.
Ample water must always be available, with athletes able to drink as much as they want.
Activity must be modified based on WBGT readings, including mandated rest breaks, practice time limits, equipment restrictions (for football), and suspension of outdoor workouts above 89.9°F.
Best practices should be carried out by licensed personnel, with cooling initiated until advanced medical help arrives.
A cooling modality (Cold Water Immersion) must be ready for immediate use when WBGT is at or above 80°F, and readily available below 80°F.
Table 1 (all temperature readings as measured by WBGT device)
For athletic trainers and directors prioritizing athlete safety, Perry Weather offers precise on-site wet bulb globe temperature monitoring.
Guide your coaches and staff in taking the right actions with hyper-local WBGT monitoring and alerts tailored to your heat stress policies.
Accurate WBGT offers a more precise understanding of real-world conditions than heat index, ensuring safety and informed decision-making for all outdoor activities.
Automatic WBGT measurements are instantly recorded and stored, ensuring you stay compliant without the tediousness and potential errors of traditional manual methods.
We translate data into practical steps based on heat stress policies and local regulations – from hydration reminders to activity adjustments, we ensure safety first.
Automatic instructive alerts and warnings are triggered based on your policies, keeping you compliant and confident in your decision-making so everyone on your staff knows what to do when WBGT levels are high.
Automated Warnings: Push notifications and text message alerts with automatic action instructions once WBGT threshold is breached
Custom Quiet Times: Pause notifications during weekends or nighttime, ensuring disturbance-free periods for when practices and games aren’t taking place
Configurable Settings: Configure specific user and warnings settings that fit your organization’s needs
Get heat and WBGT risk updates based on your policies, so you’re not caught by surprise and are able to adjust outdoor activities accordingly.
Set customized alerts to be notified when WBGT levels reach critical thresholds, ensuring timely action to protect athletes from heat-related illnesses.
Our team stays up-to-date on evolving state regulations to help schools and athletic trainers implement heat stress guidelines effectively.
The WBGT is a comprehensive measure that combines air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat, and air movement to assess heat stress conditions. Read more about WBGT here.
Wet bulb globe temperature in a nutshell is a more in-depth heat stress measurement taking into account more of the environment (Direct sunlight, water vapor capacity, cloud coverage, etc.). Read more about the differences between WBGT and the heat index here.
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.
Wet bulb globe temperature involves measuring three temperatures: dry bulb, wet bulb, and globe. Read more here.
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.
The following guidelines are based on recommendations by the IHSA.
Activities must be postponed or suspended if signs of a thunderstorm are imminent before or during an activity or contest. Here’s what to do during a thunderstorm:
When thunder is heard, or lightning is seen, immediately suspend play for at least 30 minutes and seek shelter in a designated safe shelter.
Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning is witnessed before resuming play.
Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.
If available, use lightning detectors that can support decisions.
Distant storms can produce visible flashes without audible thunder. If flashes are low on the horizon and no thunder is heard, continuing activity may be safe. However, prioritize safety and err on the side of caution.
Nearly all lightning-related injuries occur between May and September between the hours of 10:00 AM. and 7:00 PM. Therefore, the greatest concern for injuries in an outdoor contest appears to be during that time, though it can happen any time of year. The following guidelines are based on recommendations by the IHSA:
If thunder is heard, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, immediately suspend play and take shelter.
The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before resuming activities.
Ensure all involved parties, including local managers, competing schools, and contest officials, are briefed on the suspension protocol before tournaments or events.
Communicate any portable devices or specific policies from competing schools to the tournament manager beforehand.
Tournament managers must know the policies of each school assigned to their tournament or event prior to its start.
Perry Weather’s lightning detection and alerts system gives you clear, actionable instructions aligned with your lightning safety policies.
We’ll notify you as soon as lightning is detected with automated alerts. We guide you through immediate actions, keeping your athletes safe and practices on track.
Automatic alerts and real-time data for informed decision-making during critical weather events.
Know exactly when it’s safe to step out after a lightning strike with Perry Weather’s lightning countdown timers.
When a lightning strike is detected nearby, Perry Weather initiates a countdown until given the all-clear and resuming outdoor activities.
The timer resets with each subsequent strike, ensuring adherence to lightning safety protocols before resuming activities
Stay a step ahead with advanced radar and predictive lightning risk management for confident event planning and adaptive scheduling.
Get custom PA alerts and audible alarms with our lightning warning system.
Instantly broadcast alerts and safety messages automatically across your campus – no matter the weather conditions.
Strobe lights, loud alarms, and text-to-speech make sure you won’t miss lightning alerts.
It works even during power outages, ensuring continuous safety without needing a direct power source.
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.
Responsibilities may vary, but typically coaches, athletic trainers, and officials share the responsibility for monitoring weather conditions and enforcing safety procedures.
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.
Watch how schools across the country are using Perry Weather to comply with state weather policies and keep their campuses safe.
