Tokyo Wet Bub Graph displaying the heat reaching danger zone
Due to the intense heat, St. Mary’s International School students have been eating lunch indoors for the past two weeks. The decision was made when daily wet-bulb temperature readings fell into the “danger zone,” which is deemed unsafe for outdoor activities, between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. “It’s not safe if it’s in the danger zone,” Principal Ms. Fradale stated.
The school has implemented a number of safety protocols. A warm-weather uniform is now optional, PE classes frequently take place indoors, and students are constantly reminded to drink water. Ms. Fradale stated that the policy is temporary but essential, adding, “Most people understand and we’ll try to revisit it after retreats.”
Teachers and students had differing opinions. While some students enjoyed the cooler indoor environments, others wished they could go outside in spite of the heat. Instructors emphasized that the safety of the students comes first. When asked if climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme heat events and impacting school routines, Ms. Fradale responded, “It seems to be, yes.”
Every day, the school keeps an eye on the Tokyo Wet-Bulb website. Outdoor activities may resume if the temperature falls into the “orange zone.” During hot weather, students are advised to drink plenty of water, take breaks, and not exert themselves too much.
Now, with the decrease in temperature and new readings from the Tokyo wet bulb, students have returned to enjoying the outdoors.