Temecula Valley Unified School District

Hot Weather Operations

With higher temperatures and extreme heat conditions occurring more often, all schools in the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) have plans in place for continued operations of schools during periods of extremely hot weather. The guidelines are outlined in the District’s Heat Operations Plan.

The safety and well-being of our students and employees are our top priority. We want to make sure that students and employees are healthy and to prevent heat-related illness, so that learning can continue. As a result, our schools have guidelines in place for instruction and athletics during hot weather.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated its guidance for schools on sports and strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat.

Forecasting Heat

CDPH and TVUSD use the National Weather Service’s “HeatRisk” forecast, which incorporates data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related health impacts. HeatRisk is a better indicator than temperature alone because it takes into consideration:

How unusual is the heat for your location and time of the year?
How long will the heat last?

Orange, Red, and Magenta Day Protocols

TVUSD will use the National Weather Service HeatRisk forecast to determine the color indicator for each day.

Red or Magenta Indicator: The entire instructional day will follow the red or magenta indicator guidelines.
Orange Indicator: The instructional day will follow the orange indicator guidelines. If temperatures reach or exceed 100°F on an orange day, TVUSD will shift to red indicator actions. This transition may occur during the school day.

Value	Risk of Heat-Related Impacts Temperature is not the only indicator that determines the HeatRisk Level. The temperature corresponding to the heat levels is an approximation:
0- Green 80°F & below	Little to no risk from expected heat
1- Yellow 80-94°F	Minor – This level of heat affects primarily those individuals extremely sensitive to heat, especially when outdoors without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
2- Orange 95-99°F	Moderate – This level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
3- Red 100-114°F	Major – This level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
4- Magenta 115°F & above	Extreme – This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little or no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.

HeatRisk Levels and Guidelines
Adapted from CDPH Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat

0 - Green:

80°F and below

Little or no risk from expected heat

General Actions for those At Risk

No preventative action necessary

TVUSD actions

No preventative action necessary

1 - Yellow:

80-94°F

Minor.

This level of heat affects primarily individuals extremely sensitive to heat, especially when outdoors without effective cooling/hydration. This level initiates concern for students with pre-existing health conditions that cause sensitivity to heat.

General Actions for those At Risk

Increase hydration
Reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is strongest

TVUSD Actions

For students who have pre-existing health conditions causing sensitivity to heat, refer to accommodations in 504 and IEPs.
Monitor outside activity.
Parents actively monitor the district/site website for the heat indicator of the day. Parents are asked to pack cold water and dress students in cool clothing.

2 - Orange:

95-99°F

Moderate.

This level of heat is tolerated by many but affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.

Some risk for the general population who are exposed to the sun for longer periods of time.

General Actions for those At Risk

Increase hydration
Reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is strongest

TVUSD Actions

Implement an alternative plan, including a possible change of schedule or location of the outside activity.
Access to water for students with pre-existing health conditions that cause sensitivity to heat.
Reduce outside activity. During recess/lunch, students may be outside half the time and inside for the other half.
Parents actively monitor the district/site website for heat indicator of the day. Parents are asked to pack cold water and dress students in cool clothing.

3 - Red:

100-114°F

Major.

This type of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Individuals who are active in the sun and those who are sensitive to heat are at risk. Possible poor air quality. Possible interruptions of power as demand increases.

General Actions for those At Risk

Consider canceling outdoor activities during the heat of the day; otherwise, move activities to the coolest part of the day.
Stay hydrated.
Stay in a cool place during the day and evening.
Fans may not be adequate. Use air conditioning or find a location that has it. A few hours in a cool location may lower the risk.
Notify parents via email regarding the heat indicator being in red.

TVUSD Actions

Reschedule all outdoor and non-air-conditioned indoor activities to a cool time of the day or a different day.
Scheduled water breaks for all classes and student group activities.
Notify parents about high heat and ask them to pack cold water and dress students in cool clothing.
Check the temperature of metal and plastic playground equipment.
Monitor mobility devices to ensure they are safe for use (i.e., check metal and vinyl parts to make sure they are safe to touch).
Relocation of students will be considered if there is limited or no access to air conditioning or water.
Athletic Programs: all outdoor and non-air-conditioned indoor activities are rescheduled to a cool time of day or a different day.

4 - Magenta:

115°F and above

Extreme

This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little or no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. This multi-day excessive heat is dangerous for everyone who is not prepared. Poor air quality is likely. Power outages are more likely as electrical demands reach critical levels.

General Actions for those At Risk

Strongly consider canceling outdoor activities.
Stay hydrated.
Stay in a cool place, including overnight.
Use air conditioning or find a location that does. Even a few hours in a cool location can lower the risk. Fans will not be adequate.

TVUSD Actions

Cancel all outdoor and non-air-conditioned indoor activities.
Relocation of students will be considered if there is limited or no access to air conditioning or water.
Athletic Programs: Cancel and reschedule all outdoor and non-air-conditioned indoor activities.

Updated August 22, 2025