Weather & Seasonal Guidelines
Outdoor Activity Safety:
Cold, Heat, & Pollen Advisories
Atlanta Public Schools is committed to keeping students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Weather conditions and environmental allergens can impact recess, physical education, and outdoor events. The guidelines below help schools and families make informed decisions to protect students during cold weather, high heat, and high-pollen days.
Use the tabs below to view safety recommendations for each advisory.
Weather Advisories
Cold Advisory
SUGGESTED Cold/Winter Advisory Guidelines When Temperatures Fall Below 40°F
Please follow the guidelines below for physical education (PE) classes and school recess. Each school should determine who will make the judgment call, as decision-making may vary by grade level.
Key Factors Schools Should Review
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Wind Chill
- Age of students
- Length of outdoor
- Adequacy of clothing worn
General Guidance
When properly clothed, students can participate outdoors in most weather conditions. Increased caution is recommended when temperatures fall below 40°F. Students should remain indoors when the temperature or wind chill is below 35°F.
Cold Weather Activity Recommendations:
- Above 60°F: No limitations
- Below 60°F: Jacket or long sleeves recommended
- Below 50°F: Coat, long pants, and other warm layers recommended
- Below 40°F: Use caution and shorten outdoor time as needed; Gloves and hats recommended, along with a coat and long pants
- Below 35°F (temperature or wind chill): Indoor recess and indoor PE only
Supporting Students with Health Needs
- Children with asthma or medical conditions may require special consideration.
- Reasonable parent requests for indoor accommodation should be honored.
- Schools should collaborate with families when a student cannot safely participate in outdoor activities.
Heat Advisory
SUGGESTED Heat Advisory Guidelines When Temperatures Exceed 90°F
Atlanta Public Schools promotes healthy student activity, including outdoor physical activity. These guidelines, based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, support safe decision-making when temperatures may affect student health.
Key Factors Schools Should Review
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Heat index
- Age of students
- Length of outdoor time
- Availability of shaded areas
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
Common Signs of Heat Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue or headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Pale skin
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle or abdominal cramps
General Guidance
When temperatures reach 95°F or above,
- Schools should reconsider outdoor recess, PE classes, field trips, and other outdoor activities
- Students should be well-hydrated before going outside and have access to water at all times
- During activities lasting more than 30 minutes, incorporate water breaks every 10 minutes or as needed
- Teachers should monitor students closely for signs of heat exhaustion
Heat Index Activity Recommendations
- Less than 80°F: No limitations
- 80–90°F (Caution): Encourage hydration; 75% vigorous activity / 25% light activity or rest
- 90–104°F (Extreme Caution): Enforce hydration; 50% vigorous activity / 50% rest
- 105–129°F (Danger): Enforce hydration; 25% vigorous activity / 75% rest
- Sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are likely. Heat stroke is possible.
- 130°F or higher (Extreme Danger): All non-essential outdoor activities should be canceled
Supporting Students with Health Needs
- Students with asthma, heart conditions, seizure disorders, or other chronic medical conditions may be more sensitive to heat.
- Reasonable parent requests for modified or indoor accommodation should be honored when possible.
- Schools should work with families to plan accommodations for students who cannot safely participate outdoors during high temperatures.
- Staff should be aware of students whose medications increase heat sensitivity.
Pollen Advisory
SUGGESTED Pollen Advisory Guidelines During High Pollen Count Days
Atlanta Public Schools is committed to creating healthy learning environments, including safe access to outdoor activity. These guidelines help protect students with environmental allergies or asthma on high-pollen days.
Key Factors Schools Should Review
When determining whether outdoor activity is appropriate during high-pollen days, schools should consider:
- Daily pollen levels (tree, grass, weed)
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Type and severity of student allergies or asthma
- Age of students and sensitivity levels
- Timing of activity (mornings often have higher pollen counts)
- Duration of outdoor activity
- Access to indoor alternatives
- Weather conditions affecting pollen spread (wind, dry air)
Common Allergy Symptoms in Children
- Sneezing or nasal congestion
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Itchy throat, ears, or skin
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Hives or eczema flare-ups
- Headache or fatigue
General Guidance
- Consider using indoor spaces for recess and PE on high-pollen or extremely high-pollen days.
- When possible, schedule outdoor activities in the afternoon when pollen levels are lower.
- Remind students to wash their hands and avoid touching their face after outdoor play.
Pollen Levels & Activity Recommendations
- Low: No limitations
- Moderate: Monitor students with allergies or asthma during outdoor activities
- High: Encourage indoor recess or PE for sensitive students; limit outdoor time
- Extremely High: Move all non-essential outdoor activities indoors
Supporting Students with Health Needs
- Students with asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, or other chronic respiratory/allergy conditions may be more affected by high pollen levels.
- Reasonable parent requests for modified or indoor accommodations should be honored.
- Schools should collaborate with families to plan accommodations for students who cannot safely participate outdoors during allergy season.
- Ensure students who require inhalers or EpiPens can access them quickly.