Texas UIL · 2026-2027
What the new UIL heat policy means for athletes, parents, coaches and marching band. Know the real heat number.
Beginning August 1, 2026, every UIL member school must use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) instead of the traditional heat index to decide how outdoor athletic practices and marching band rehearsals run.
UIL first recommended WBGT in 2023. In 2026 the UIL Medical Advisory Committee recommended making it mandatory and the Legislative Council approved it in June, turning guidance into an enforced policy with required readings, required practice changes, and required rapid cooling.
Wet bulb globe temperature is one number that describes how hard the heat is working on a body outdoors. The heat index only uses temperature and humidity and assumes shade. WBGT adds sun and wind, which is why it matches what athletes and band members feel on an open field or a hot parking lot.
How hot the air is.
Moisture that keeps sweat from evaporating.
Radiant heat on the body, turf, and pavement.
Air movement that helps the body cool.
Texas is split into two regions with different thresholds. Class 3 covers the hotter, more humid areas, including most of the state. Class 2 starts restrictions a few degrees lower. Your class depends on where your campus is, not your enrollment or conference, so check the UIL WBGT map to confirm.
Based on the UIL Heat Stress and Athletic Participation plan, which follows American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Always confirm with the current official UIL document.
The required changes apply to practices, which count from arrival at the practice area until students leave. Games are handled separately, but UIL strongly encourages WBGT monitoring and a cooling zone on game days too.
| Factor | Heat index | WBGT |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | Temperature and humidity | Temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight |
| Assumes | Shade, light wind | Real sun and measured wind |
| Used for | General public warnings | Athletics, military, and work safety rules |
| UIL status | Replaced | Required from Aug 1, 2026 |
Anyone at practice should speak up right away if they notice:
When in doubt, cool down and speak up. If an athlete or band member collapses or acts confused in the heat, treat it as possible heat stroke: start cold-water immersion right away and call 911.
The free WBGT app for iPhone shows the same kind of number your school uses, for your location or any Texas town you search. It is built for coaches, trainers, and band directors, and simple enough for any parent.
The app estimates WBGT from weather data using the peer-reviewed Liljegren model from Argonne National Laboratory. UIL puts on-site measurement first, so schools should use the app for planning and as a backup alongside an on-site instrument.
August 1, 2026, at the start of the 2026-2027 school year, for outdoor athletic practices and marching band at every UIL member school.
Outdoor practice stops at 92.1°F WBGT or higher in Class 3 regions and 89.8°F or higher in Class 2 regions.
About 15 minutes before outdoor practice, then every 30 minutes during practice, with every reading recorded.
Yes. Outdoor band rehearsals follow the same readings, records, and practice changes as athletics.
The required changes apply to practices. For games, UIL strongly encourages WBGT monitoring, adjusted start times, extra cooling breaks, and a cooling zone at 80°F WBGT or higher.
Yes. The WBGT app shows real-time and forecast WBGT for any Texas city, so you can see the same kind of number coaches use.
No. The heat index leaves out sun and wind. WBGT includes them, which is why it better matches conditions on an open field.
Real-time WBGT, flag levels, and forecasts for practice and rehearsal. Free on iPhone.