How Weather Impacts Schools and Students in Florida

By Isabella Ortega

Florida is well known for being called the “Sunshine State”, but living in South Florida also means dealing with the intense heat, humidity, and sudden rainstorms. For students, Florida’s weather can make getting to class a challenge. At schools that are open campus, students are expected to walk outside to get to their classes, even in the extreme heat and heavy rains. 

South Florida’s summer weather is typically warm and humid, with only a few frequent showers or thunderstorms. The National Weather Service  describes summer in the region as daily temperatures of 80-90 degrees fahrenheit but due to El Niño, it is boosting temperatures up into the 90-100s with a few thunderstorms.  

For students, these conditions can make getting from one class to another difficult. Walking across campus in the middle of a hot and humid day can leave students sweating and overheated before they even reach their next class. When it rains, students may have to hurry between buildings while trying to avoid getting soaked. 

“I don’t mind walking outside when the weather is nice, but when it’s extremely hot or raining, it makes getting to class a lot harder and more difficult to focus especially if I’m already sweating or soaked from the rain,” said senior at North Miami Beach Senior High, Cedrick Odius.

Rain can be especially unpredictable in South Florida. A normal-looking morning can quickly turn into a heavy afternoon storm, making outdoor walkways flooded and difficult to go through. South Florida’s rainy season also includes periods when thunderstorms, strong winds, lighting, and flooding are more likely. 

Due to this, some students question whether or not schools with separate buildings connected with outdoor walkways are the best design for Florida’s climate. Having multiple buildings can make a campus feel more spacious, but it also means students are exposed to the weather whenever they have to move between classes. 

“I think having different buildings along with an open campus is fine because it gives the schools with a lot of students more space and allows us to be able to go wherever we want outside for lunch,” said sophomore Bridgette Wright.

Others believe schools should do more to protect students from the elements. Better covered walkways, more indoor connections between buildings, and designated areas where students can wait during severe weather could make moving around campus easier and safer. 

The issue is not simply about whether students like to walk outside. It raises a larger concern about how schools should be designed for the environment where they are located. Florida’s weather is a regular part of life, so school buildings and campuses should be able to accommodate conditions that students experience throughout the school year. 

For many students, getting to class should be a simple part of the day, not a race against not getting soaked by the rain or a walk through the excruciating heat. As Florida continues to experience hot and unpredictable weather, schools may need to start considering whether their campuses are designed with students’ comfort and safety in mind.