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Updates Surrounding Heat Events at HWDSB

Hamilton Public Health Services monitors weather forecasts closely and notifies the media and community partners of a heat event. 

A Heat Warning is issued when there are two or more consecutive days forecast with daytime highs greater than or equal to 31C and nighttime lows greater than or equal to 20C or two or more consecutive days with a Humidex of 40C or greater. 

An Extended Heat Warning is issued when there are three or more consecutive days observed with daytime highs greater than or equal to 31C and nighttime lows greater than or equal to 20C or three or more consecutive days with a Humidex of 40C or greater. 

What’s New at HWDSB?

• During Heat Warnings and Extended Heat Warnings, principals will monitor indoor temperatures in degrees Celsius with Humidex in all classrooms and learning spaces without cooling as measured by a board provided and installed device in each learning space.  
• Beginning at the board-device reading of 40 degrees Celsius with Humidex in learning spaces, principals will follow HWDSB’s procedure related to Heat Alerts. If indoor temperatures with humidex increase beyond 45 degrees Celsius with Humidex, the principal will close the classroom to learning and move the class to another learning space. The Superintendent will inform the Director of Education who will decide whether to cancel in-person learning at the school.  
• If a school or class closes to in-person learning, HWDSB will follow its school cancellation procedures and communicate with families using direct communication, email and phone, through its SchoolMessenger service.  

Once HWDSB has been notified of a heat event, information will be posted on our website and the following precautionary steps will be taken for students: Limit physical outdoor activities, ensure access to water, close drapes and blinds where possible, move students through cooler areas of the school and monitor students for symptoms of heat stress. 

Time spent outdoors is an integral part of the school day. There are great benefits when children experience fresh air, exercise and time spent time outside. Outdoor play is also a break from the structure of the classroom. Depending on the season, preparing for outdoor play in Canada can mean anything from applying sunscreen to wear mittens and a hat. 

Learn more about Severe Weather at HWDSB on our webpage. For even more information, visit the  City of Hamilton or  Health Canada websites.