Orange County Schools Combat Heat with Sunshades
Schools in Orange County, Florida, are implementing various measures to protect students from rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect. Hamlin Elementary School, for instance, has installed playground shades, fans, hydration stations, and double-paned, tinted windows to create a cooler and safer environment for students. These efforts come as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the summer of 2026 was the hottest on record in 132 years. The urban heat island effect, which causes urban areas to be significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, is particularly pronounced in Florida cities like Orlando and Tampa. According to a Climate Central study, 76% of students in the largest U.S. cities attend schools in extreme urban heat islands, where temperatures can be at least 8°F (4.4°C) higher than surrounding areas.
