Extreme Heat Warning Guidance for the Cal Poly Community
San Luis Obispo campus — September 9–10, 2026
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for San Luis Obispo from 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, through 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Temperatures are forecast to approach 100°F Wednesday and remain unusually hot Thursday.
The health and well-being of the Cal Poly community come first. Please plan ahead, drink water regularly, take breaks, reduce time in direct sun and use cooler indoor spaces when available. Cooled common spaces include Kennedy Library, the University Union, the Recreation Center, and the Mustang Shuttle. Look out for one another and respond promptly if someone shows signs of heat-related illness.
Students
Carry water, take breaks and spend time in cooler indoor spaces when possible. Consider moving strenuous outdoor activity to a cooler part of the day. If the heat is affecting your health or ability to participate in class or another university activity, tell your instructor or the person leading the activity.
Students should monitor Canvas and their Cal Poly email for updates from their instructors, including any changes to class location or modality. Students with concerns about classroom heat should contact their instructor directly.
Students experiencing heat-related symptoms should stop the activity, move to a cooler place and seek assistance. Campus Health and Wellbeing, located in Building 27, provides Health Services and 24/7 phone support at 805-756-1211.
Staff
If you are experiencing extreme heat conditions in your workspace, speak with your supervisor promptly. Employees and supervisors should work together to provide access to water, appropriate breaks and shade or cool-down areas, particularly for work performed outdoors or in spaces with elevated indoor temperatures.
Report building or facilities concerns through the Facilities Help Center. Workplace hazards or potentially unsafe conditions may be reported through Environmental Health and Safety. Additional precautions for indoor and outdoor work are available in Cal Poly’s heat-illness prevention and response guidance.
Faculty
On Wednesday and Thursday, faculty teaching in classrooms affected by excessive heat may elect to hold class virtually. Classes held virtually because of the heat will not count toward the 25% of instruction that an instructor may hold online without prior approval.
When feasible, identify nearby water fountains and air-conditioned buildings, including the University Union and Robert E. Kennedy Library. Encourage students to stay hydrated, take breaks and tell you if they are experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness.
For outdoor instruction, fieldwork, laboratories, studios and other activities in warm spaces, consider moving activities to cooler times of day, adding breaks or providing appropriate flexibility for students affected by the heat.
Recognize Heat-Related Illness
Symptoms needing attention can include headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue and muscle cramps. Confusion, fainting or hot, red or dry skin may indicate heat stroke. Call 911 immediately and begin first aid if someone shows signs of heat stroke.
