With temperatures continuing to rise throughout the day, the Waterloo Region District School Board is urging students and families to take precautions against the heat.
Estefania Rodriguez, communications officer for WRDSB, says each school has a set of procedures for informing staff and students of weather conditions that will bring high temperatures and humidity.
Each school will determine what measures to take based on individual circumstances.
Temperatures are expected to reach between 30 and 34 degrees today, with a humidy value near 40. The passage of a cold front is anticipated to break the heatwave on Thursday but the thermometer could still reach 26 degrees.
"Outdoor recess may still continue, however, students will be encouraged to avoid any strenuous activities and schools are asked to accommodate individuals who are at a higher risk," Rodriguez said.
Parts of all elementary and secondary schools within the public board are equipped with air conditioning. All of the portables are fully air-conditioned, as well as full-day kindergarten classrooms.
"In older schools, air conditioning may not be available throughout all of the classrooms, but communal spaces, like the library, will offer AC to provide cooling on hot days," Rodriguez said.
"Currently, 50 per cent of our secondary schools’ square footage and 78 per cent of our elementary schools’ square footage are air conditioned."
The board is encouraging students to drink plenty of water and seek shade while outside. Light, loose-fitting clothing can also help against the heat.
In a release on the board's website it also announced facility services has been replacing the filters of HEPA units ahead of the upcoming school year.
Cleaning of high touch services and screening, masking, proper respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene is all being encouraged.
