WBGT Monitoring is Now Required this Fall in Texas
Read about the updated guidelines, the implementation timeline and how it will affect your school.
Perry Weather is not affiliated with or sponsored by the University Interscholastic League (UIL). All references to UIL are for editorial and informational purposes only.
The UIL (University Interscholastic League) standardized a new requirement for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT monitoring to prioritize student-athlete safety in Texas schools.
Here’s everything you need to know about the UIL WBGT requirements and what you can do to meet them. We’ll break down the key changes, WBGT monitoring methods, and practical solutions to keep your athletes safe.
Latest UIL Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Recommendations
The 2026-2027 UIL WBGT guidelines are a giant leap forward in protecting student-athletes from heat illnesses like Exertional Heat Stroke. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends these WBGT heat policies, which establish specific thresholds for practice intensity based on heat stress levels.
As of the 2026-2027 school year, the UIL WBGT guidelines are expected to be requirements for all member schools. After two pilot years of recommendations, Texas schools learned the ropes and grew comfortable with WBGT monitoring, ensuring a smooth transition. The guidelines address the following:
- The scheduling of practices at appropriate WBGT levels – ensuring practices occur during cooler times when the risk of heat illness is lower.
- The ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various WBGT levels.
- The WBGT levels for stopping activities.
Learn more about what Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is here.
See How Your Region’s Practice Times Were Affected
View real, interactable WBGT data from over 700 weather stations across the state of Texas.
Key Takeaways from the UIL Heat Stress Policies
The revised UIL guidelines include several requirements and recommendations. Here are the key takeaways for schools from recent UIL WBGT recommendations:
2026- 2027 UIL Heat Stress Protocol Requirements:
- Cooling Zones are a Must:
- All schools must have an emergency plan to prevent heat illnesses. The plan must include ways to cool athletes quickly on-site. This can be done with cold water immersion tubs or tarps with ice. The plan must also have cooling zones where the WBGT is 80°F or higher.
- Cooling zones must have cold-water immersion options for rapid cooling. Consider using shade, water misters, towels, and ice sponges for further cooling. Ideally, a trained person should be available to administer cold-water immersion.
- Staying Hydrated is Key: Coaches must provide unlimited access to water throughout practice. Rest breaks should focus on rehydration and rest only, with no activity.
2026 – 2027 UIL Heat Stress Recommendations:
Schools are required to monitor and document heat stress conditions for all outdoor athletic and marching band activities. The UIL heat stress protocols establish clear standards for when and how practices must be modified based on real-time WBGT readings consistent with guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Monitor & Record WBGT Conditions:
- Schools are suggested to use a scientifically proven method, like a weather station or a weather monitoring mobile app, to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).
- Schools must keep a record of the WBGT temperatures for all outdoor practices.
- WBGT readings should be taken every 30 minutes during practice.
Practices Not Games: These heat protocols apply only to practice sessions and do not apply directly to UIL competitions, but schools are strongly encouraged to monitor WBGT conditions prior to and during games and maintain appropriate emergency action plans for high temperature and humidity.
- Practice means any coach-led, school-approved sport or band conditioning activity. This includes the time from when they arrive at the practice area to when they leave.
Source: UIL Heat Stress & Athletic Participation Recommended Plan — based on American College of Sports Medicine guidelines.
What Class Am I for UIL WBGT?
Texas is divided into two geographic zones that determine which WBGT thresholds apply to your school.
- Class 2 schools begin required activity modifications at a WBGT of 79.7°F
- Class 3 schools begin modifications at 82.0°F.
Your class is based on where your campus is located, not your athletic conference or enrollment size. UIL’s WBGT map shows which class applies to your area.
Competition Recommendation Modifications:
Schools are still strongly encouraged to monitor WBGT conditions prior to and during games and maintain appropriate emergency action plans for high temperature and humidity. Modifications for games and competitions include:
- Cooling Zones: Competitions with WBGT 80°F or higher require a cooling zone for rapid full-body cooling in case of heat illness.
- Change start times to allow participation in the best conditions possible.
- Access to air-conditioned gyms or locker rooms until warmups begin.
- Proper Hydration: Plan hydration and snacks for athletes on long bus rides before games.
- Provide unlimited cool water during games and practices. Energy drinks are not allowed. Fans/Misters to allow for evaporative cooling.
- More breaks: Consider adding short cooling breaks during games for everyone to rehydrate and cool down.
- Longer halftime: Extend halftime to allow more time to cool down, rehydrate, and refuel.
- Offer healthy snacks at halftime for athletes to refuel.
- For middle school games, consider shortening quarters if both schools agree.
What Do the UIL Recommendations Mean For Texas Schools?
Schools that already followed the guidelines informally now need to formalize that process. Think readings taken on a schedule, records kept on file, and protocols applied the same way across every outdoor program, every day. A football staff that monitored WBGT during two-a-days but skipped it for cross country or band now has to apply the same standard across the board.
For schools starting from scratch, the requirement means choosing a monitoring method, establishing who takes readings and when, and building recordkeeping into the daily routine before August 1.
UIL temperature rules and recommendations apply to every outdoor athletic and marching band activity across the board.
WBGT as a Standard
WBGT is already the standard in states like Georgia, California, Iowa, and Florida, and is widely used by the Army and the Marines. With this data, coaches can adjust practices based on real-time heat levels.
- Practice Gets Smarter, Not Harder: The UIL guidelines recommend adjusting practice intensity based on WBGT. As WBGT rises, expect shorter practice times with increased rest and hydration breaks.
- Reduced Risk of Heat Illness: Proper hydration and cooling measures during practices will help athletes recover faster, feel better, and perform at their peak. This will help them recover faster, stay cool, and perform at their peak.
Alright, What Do I Need To Do Next?
Even though the guidelines are currently recommendations, prioritizing athlete safety should always be the top concern. Implementing these protocols can help prevent heatstroke and create a safer training environment for everyone. So now that you know what the recommendations are, here’s how you can comply with them.
How Do I Follow The UIL Recommendations?
The UIL understands that every school has unique needs and resources. That’s why these WBGT recommendations are designed to be flexible.
There are many scientifically proven methods for monitoring Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, allowing you to choose the solution that best protects your student athletes.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular WBGT monitoring methods:
Handheld WBGT Monitor
These dedicated WBGT monitoring instruments provide quick readings. Although a convenient starting point, these devices are prone to inaccuracies and can impact athletic activities.
Read more about handheld WBGT devices here.
Free Weather Apps
Free weather apps like WeatherBug can seem like a quick and easy solution, but they generally source weather data that is delayed by several minutes and are often inaccurate.
Read more about free apps here.
Weather Stations
Automated weather stations like Perry Weather offer the most accurate and reliable solution. Weather stations provide real-time WBGT readings and eliminate manual calculations.
This helps schools comply with the UIL’s recommendations for practice modifications (WBGT thresholds, cooling zones) and minimize the risk of penalties.
Why Choose Perry Weather to Meet the UIL WBGT Recommendations?
Perry Weather goes beyond basic weather stations, offering features specifically designed for athlete safety and UIL compliance:
- WBGT Precision with Black Bulb Sensor: Perry Weather’s secret weapon? Accuracy. How are our weather stations so accurate? Because our weather stations go beyond basic models, and feature a 3.5-inch black bulb sensor for the most precise WBGT readings.
- Historical Data Tracking: Analyze past WBGT trends to plan practices and identify potential heat risks. Historical data tracking allows you to analyze past trends and identify potential heat risks. No more scrambling! Plan practices like a pro knowing past WBGT patterns.
- Unlimited Location Monitoring: Track WBGT at every practice location, so you have the data you need to keep athletes safe regardless of the field.
- No Calibration Needed: Forget manual calibration headaches. Perry Weather stations provide instant readings, allowing you to focus on your athletes.
- Automated Alerts: Receive real-time warnings when WBGT reaches critical levels, allowing you to adjust practices for athlete safety. Respond quickly to changing weather conditions with automated alerts.
- Expert Support: Our team of meteorologists is here to help you understand WBGT data and implement effective school heat safety protocols.
With Perry Weather, Texas schools can comply with UIL regulations and simplify WBGT monitoring.
A win-win for schools
The new UIL heat protocols are a win-win for everyone. Athletes stay safe, coaches can train effectively, and parents have peace of mind. Investing in reliable WBGT monitoring solutions like Perry Weather can help Texas schools create a safer training environment for athletes and ensure a successful season.
