The influences of extreme cold and storms on schoolchildren

The influences of extreme cold, rainfall, snowfall and wind on schools has received much less research than heat influences, yet there are findings starting to emerge on some of the impacts internationally. The impact of snow in some jurisdictions such as the USA, Canada and Finland can cause school closures and force students to miss regular days of school and set them behind in work requirements. For example, in the USA school closures are 20 times more likely to occur in Winter, compared to Summer due to snow fall. Natural wind and rain disasters (such as flooding) from hurricanes and other major storms can also cause a surge in school closures and reduced attendance for students across the world. Research also shows that wet weather can cause issues in schools with reduced enjoyment, physical activity participation, indoor spaces to occupy students and wetter weather can be stressful for teachers to manage activity ‘backup-plans’. This chapter will outline the range cold, rainfall and windy weather extremes that can impact on schools internationally and will raise consideration of new strategies to ensure learning and physical activities from extreme weather interruptions can be prepared for, optimised and rebooted.