An increasing number of school districts now begin their academic year in July or August. This shift raises the chances of students encountering extremely hot days.

As seen in Phoenix in July 2026, temperatures reached 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius). Children still had to walk to and from school, participate in recess, and attend baseball practice during this intense heat.

A playground in Lansing, Michigan, offers a similar picture, as younger children play during the hottest period of the year.

Data from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news organization, provides insights into how these heat challenges affect day-to-day activities for students.