North Texas schools adjust games, recess for last day of triple-digit heat streak

Schools adjust games, recess due to triple-digit heat

With this summer surpassing 1954 with the fourth most triple-digit days on record, North Texas school districts have had to make a lot of adjustments to keep students safe during the excessive heat.

RICHARDSON, Texas - With this summer surpassing 1954 with the fourth most triple-digit days on record, North Texas school districts have had to make a lot of adjustments to keep students safe during the excessive heat from adjusting game times to lots of indoor recess.

While teachers across North Texas have worked hard the past month to come up with ways to have fun inside, kids and their teachers say indoor recess comes nowhere close to the real thing.

Fourth grader Diego Garza at Richardson ISD’s Canyon Creek Elementary says it's harder to play with friends inside.

Fourth-grade teacher Gwen Metzger says outdoor recess helps kids to focus later in the day.

"Second week of school, we had indoor recess every day, which was hard," she said.

We've also seen how the dangerous heat both in August and now September is also impacting school sports.

Like many districts, Grand Prairie ISD adjusted game times in hopes of getting a degree or two of relief once the sun begins to go down.

"During the game, we keep a close watch on all the kids on both sides," said Grand Prairie ISD Spokesperson Sam Buchmeyer. "They love the competition. Love to be out there playing. That's why we have to make sure they're hydrated."

It's why everyone is hoping Friday's excessive heat is the final domino of triple digits to fall.

"We hope!" Metzger said.

Lightning causes game cancellations, delays

Friday night’s game between Richland High School in North Richland Hills and Sunset High School in Dallas didn't start until about 8 p.m. due to the heat. Then, it was canceled due to lightning.

Fans were cooling off in the stands with fans. Some people had wet towels they wrapped around their necks.

Players drank plenty of water with mist fans constantly blowing on the sidelines.

Fans say the crowd is about the same size as a game under normal circumstances. Still, most admit it was pretty darn uncomfortable.

"It’s pretty miserable," said fan Tyler Ramirez. "I leaned against a concrete wall a minute ago, and it was probably 115 degrees."

"Push it back an hour, let the sun set, let the temperature go ahead and give us a little relief," said Mark Thomas with Birdville ISD.

Around 9 p.m. the game was canceled and the crowd was told to clear the stadium.