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.

Weather & Seasonal Guidelines

Outdoor Activity Safety: Cold, Heat, & Pollen Advisories

Outdoor Activity Safety:
Cold, Heat, & Pollen Advisories