Unabated heatwave across the West Coast causes postponement of high school football matches.

Heatwave Forces Delays and Adjustments in West Coast High School Football

A dangerous heatwave sweeping across the West Coast has prompted high school football teams to postpone their season-opening games, with some schools moving games to earlier times and others implementing new safety measures.

According to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), schools must follow a five-day acclimatization period with specific gear additions over the period when temperatures rise. This is in response to the extreme heat conditions that have been affecting the region.

In Fresno, school officials have taken a comprehensive approach to the new safety measures. They have shut down all activities if a reading spikes into the black, using a special heat-measuring tool called the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature. As a result, Fresno Unified moved two home JV games scheduled for Friday night to Thursday due to high temperatures.

Similarly, in other cities like Bakersfield, Fresno, and Palm Springs, schools are facing particularly challenging conditions. To protect players and fans from triple-digit temperatures, schools from Northern California to Washington state have adjusted kickoff times. River City High School in West Sacramento, for instance, moved its evening games later, with junior varsity starting at 6 p.m. and varsity at 8 p.m.

The Oregon School Activities Association states that all outdoor sports activities must stop when temperatures climb above 105 degrees. However, the school most affected by the heatwave that caused football season openers to be postponed was not explicitly named in the search results.

Heat Advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service across Southern California to Washington state, warning of temperatures climbing to 105 degrees in many areas. Fire weather concerns have escalated in Southern California, with Red Flag Warnings remaining in effect through Saturday for parts of northern Los Angeles County and Ventura County.

Cities from Los Angeles to Las Vegas are facing extreme heat warnings with temperatures expected to reach between 110 and 115 degrees through the weekend. Coaches have adapted quickly to the new protocols, asking players to warm up without helmets and shoulder pads when numbers were high.

To further ensure safety, schools are installing a standalone system for online monitoring of heat conditions. Spectators are also affected by the new safety measures, with gates closing until a game's go-ahead and encouragement to bring umbrellas, water bottles, and stay hydrated.

Despite these challenges, it's important to note that the heatwave has not disrupted all activities. According to Fresno Unified's athletic manager, Tim Carey, they monitored wet bulb readings and never hit a point where they would have to cancel.

As the heatwave continues to affect the West Coast, it remains to be seen how long these measures will be necessary. However, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all players, spectators, and staff involved in these high school football games.