Are your schools fully compliant with VHSL heat, lightning, and cold weather policies?

From WBGT to wind chill, Weatherstem delivers all-season compliance with on-site data, automated alerts, and clear communication.

Schedule a Weather Readiness Assessment
Download the VHSL Compliance Kit

VHSL Requires All-Season Weather Safety

Virginia High School League guidelines cover heat stress, lightning safety, and cold weather/wind chill.

  • Heat: On-site WBGT encouraged; hydration and activity modifications required.

  • Lightning: Suspend play at first thunder/lightning; 30-minute rule applies.

  • Cold: Wind chill advisories trigger clothing, exposure limits, and in extreme cases, cancellation.

Forecasts help planning—but VHSL stresses real-time, on-site evaluation for practice and game decisions.

uva

Quick VHSL Compliance Check

  • On-site WBGT measured at every practice and game venue
  • Automated alerts when VHSL thresholds are exceeded
  • Documented logs of decisions and conditions
  • Lightning detection and automatic countdown timers
  • Clear signals to coaches, athletes, and parents a list item here.
  • Wind chill monitoring and cold weather activity modifications in place.
Screenshot 2025-09-11 at 4.02.12 PM
VT

Weatherstem Protect: Weather Safety You Can Trust

Protect goes beyond WBGT. It continuously measures:

  • WBGT + Heat Index for hot/humid conditions

  • Wind chill for cold weather exposure risks

  • Sub-second updates, not delayed forecasts

  • Time-stamped logs for compliance reviews and audits

  • Text and email alerts included as standard

  • Configurable to your district’s specific VHSL policy

Trusted by state agencies, school districts, and professional venues

See Protect in Action

Weatherstem Blast: Instant Communication for Heat & Storms

  • Visual beacons (yellow for lightning, red for tornado/heat)

  • Horns for maximum reach or optional text-to-speech

  • Integrates with Protect for heat stoppages & hydration breaks

  • All-hazards coverage: heat, lightning, severe weather

 

See Blast in Action -> 

Lightning Alerts - Tower of Terror (5)-1

VHSL Lightning Guidelines Made Simple

VHSL requires immediate suspension of outdoor activity when thunder is heard or lightning is seen. Play cannot resume until 30 minutes after the last strike. Weatherstem automates this:

  • Detects lightning instantly at your venue

  • Sends countdown timers to staff so everyone knows when it’s safe

  • Activates Blast beacons or horns for clear stoppage signals

  • Provides records to show policy was followed

Why Schools Trust Weatherstem

  • Sub-second refresh for faster, more accurate calls

  • Direct support from Weatherstem leadership, not just software

  • Configurable for heat + lightning + all hazards, not just WBGT

  • Public dashboards for transparency with boards and parents

  • Outdoor warning system integration (Blast) for campus-wide alerts

  • No hidden fees : All-season comliance, all included. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need WBGT monitoring at each location?

Yes, VHSL guidelines require on-site Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurement at every practice and game location. Local conditions can vary significantly across your campus, and using data from a single station or nearby location doesn't ensure proper compliance. Weatherstem's solution provides accurate, field-specific measurements to keep your student-athletes safe and your program compliant.

Can we use Heat Index instead of WBGT for compliance?

No, VHSL specifically requires WBGT measurements for heat safety protocols. Heat Index only accounts for temperature and humidity, while WBGT also factors in solar radiation and wind—critical elements that affect how athletes experience heat stress. Our Weatherstem Protect system provides both metrics but emphasizes WBGT for proper compliance with Virginia's requirements.

How quickly can Weatherstem deploy at our facilities?

Most Virginia schools can have their WeatherSTEM systems fully operational within 2-4 weeks of approval. Our experienced installation team handles the entire process, from site assessment to final setup and testing. For urgent situations approaching fall sports seasons, we offer expedited deployment options to ensure you're compliant before your athletes take the field.

What training do you provide for our athletic staff?

Weatherstem provides comprehensive training for all athletic directors, trainers, and coaches. Our program includes virtual sessions anytime covering system operation, WBGT threshold implementation, documentation procedures, and emergency protocols. We also provide ongoing support with on-demand refreshers and immediate assistance whenever needed through your dedicated support team.

How does the Weatherstem OWS system integrate with our existing processes?

Weatherstem's Outdoor Warning Systems seamlessly integrates with your existing emergency protocols. The system can be programmed to automatically trigger horns, beacons, or text-to-speech announcements for lightning and more. Athletic directors can customize alerts based on specific sports, locations, and VHSL requirements. The system also maintains detailed compliance logs that can be accessed for documentation and reporting purposes.

weather radar graphic white so it can stand out on a dark back ground

Ready to make heat decisions simple, consistent, and compliant?

Join hundreds of athletic directors and trainers across Virginia who trust Weatherstem to ensure VHSL heat compliance with on-site WBGT monitoring and automated documentation.

Book My Heat Readiness Assessment