Heat Wave Strains California Schools' Resources

In Riverside, California, four young adults were hospitalized for possible heat exhaustion during an athletic event at the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, as temperatures soared into the triple digits. This incident highlights the broader health risks posed by a dangerous fall heat wave affecting much of the West. In Los Angeles, a fifth grader suffered heat exhaustion due to a broken air conditioning system at her school, prompting concerns about the state's preparedness for extreme heat as climate change exacerbates the situation. Many California schools lack adequate cooling systems, with some buildings reaching record high temperatures and prioritizing repair tickets as 'low priority'. Meanwhile, teachers in Flagstaff, Arizona, reported similar struggles with heat in uncooled classrooms, affecting both student engagement and well-being. The situation underscores a pressing need for improved infrastructure to safeguard students against rising temperatures.