Texas UIL WBGT rules, 2026–2027
Required beginning August 1.UIL is changing these heat protocols from recommendations to required standards for outdoor athletic and marching band practices and activities.
Texas uses separate Class 2 and Class 3 thresholds. A school near the climate boundary chooses its class before the school year and applies it consistently; PracticeCast does not switch the class based on which chart is more favorable.
| Category | Class 2 | Class 3 | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| green | < 79.7 | < 82.0 | Normal activities |
| yellow | 79.7–84.6 | 82.0–86.9 | Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise |
| orange | 84.7–87.6 | 87.0–90.0 | Modify equipment and limit duration |
| red | 87.7–89.7 | 90.1–92.0 | Shorten and substantially modify practice |
| black | ≥ 89.8 | ≥ 92.1 | No outdoor workouts |
The three timing rules to remember
- Check WBGT within 15 minutes before outdoor activity begins.
- Check it every 30 minutes throughout practice or workouts.
- Move to the more restrictive condition when the WBGT enters a higher band.
Practices, contests, and cooling zones
The practice limitations do not apply to contests, but UIL still calls for monitoring, rapid-cooling capability, and responsible contest modifications. A rapid cooling zone is required at 79.7°F WBGT and above in Class 2 or 82.0°F and above in Class 3. Review the official source for all equipment, cooling-zone, emergency-plan, and professional-judgment requirements.
Check a Texas forecastRead the official UIL required plan
Forecast WBGT is for advance planning. Actual conditions at the activity surface may differ. Follow the UIL document and use an approved on-site device when required.