Extreme heatwave forces metro schools to adjust schedules, cancel outdoor activities - KCCI Des Moines

Extreme heatwave forces metro schools to adjust schedules, cancel outdoor activities

At about 10:30 a.m. Monday morning, traffic on Buffalo Road in West Des Moines was at a near standstill -- because Dowling Catholic High School dismissed at 10:30 in the morning.

The extreme heat and mechanical failure in the school led officials to take action on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year.

Tanya Ogdon was waiting for her son to get out of school. She says going home won't offer much relief.

"Actually, our AC went out last night. So it's not going to be any better for him now. He was excited to get to school for the AC," Ogden said.

Her son Taylan is not done for the day -- the freshman has football practice Monday evening.

"It's only two hours," said Taylan Ogden said.

Des Moines Public Schools did not dismiss early on Monday. They shared guidelines on how they deal with outdoor events and activities when it's this hot.

If the heat index is at or exceeds 100 degrees, outdoor recess, events and activities will be canceled, rescheduled or moved indoors. High school athletic practices will be held between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and/or after 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Theo Evans is the head football coach at Hoover High School. He says the Huskies will practice inside in the gym Monday at 6 p.m.

"We have no other option. We are not going to cancel practice," Evans said.

Evans says it is likely they will also practice indoors on Tuesday.

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