Analysis: Parents, educators and policymakers must treat classroom heat not as a seasonal inconvenience, but as a pressing public health issue
Ireland is known for its mild and wet summers, but classrooms across the country are experiencing something different this May. The current sustained spell of warmth and dryness is anything but typical. Temperatures are regularly reaching and surpassing 17°C, well above the long-term May average temperature of 10.5 °C. At the same time, we have been having weather since March that is warmer and drier than usual and the lower rainfall inhibits natural cooling.
This unseasonal warmth is part of a longer-term trend. Last May was Ireland's warmest on record with an average temperature of 13.08 °C. This is testing schools built for a cooler climate. For children, whose bodies cannot regulate heat as efficiently as adults, such conditions are not just uncomfortable, but they can become a health risk.
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Why heat hits children harder
Children face unique vulnerabilities in overheated classrooms. Their developing thermoregulatory system and higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio make them prone to dehydration and heat stress, even at moderate temperatures. Classrooms are much more densely occupied than, say, an office space, which means they trap more heat.
Prolonged exposure to warm conditions can lead to nausea, headaches and dizziness. Poor ventilation in classrooms, which can be a reason for warmer classroom temperatures, also worsens respiratory issues that a child may have.
In addition to health and discomfort risks, there is also the matter of a suitable learning space. A summary of research evidence shows that when classroom temperatures rise from 20 to 30 °C, children’s performance in learning related tasks decline by about 2% for every degree Celsius.
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A climate shift our schools were not built for
Met Éireann’s data paints a stark picture of changing norms. This May, forecasts predict averages could reach 14.9° C. The warmer temperature is also being accompanied by longer warm spells, meaning buildings and surroundings do not get a chance to cool down, further enhancing the risk for students.
Irish schools are built for cold winters, so most do not have mechanical cooling systems. Like many schools in the EU, they rely on natural ventilation. With the warming climate, the effectiveness of natural ventilation is impacted. Retrofitted insulation, intended to combat winter cold, traps summer heat as well. With the school years ending in June, the months of May and June can be especially challenging.
How schools can adapt
In the short term, schools can take low-cost steps to mitigate risks. Opening windows overnight to flush out heat can be useful. Using cross ventilation – opening doors and windows – during cooler mornings is also effective. Installing temporary window reflectors (like cardboard coated in foil) can reduce the incoming solar radiation, reducing daytime temperatures. Using indoor air quality monitors to keep track of indoor temperature in real time can help us plan and minimize heat exposure risks.
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Scheduling outdoor activities before 11am or after 3pm avoids peak heat and UV exposure. Dehydration is a significant risk for children, as they may not recognize the need to drink water regularly, especially in dry weather, so providing chilled water stations is a useful measure.
Architectural changes are critical for futureproofing the classrooms. External shades and high-performance glazing can cut down solar heat gains. Replacing asphalt playgrounds with grass or cool pavements helps lower surface temperatures. These spaces are safer for outdoor breaks taken by the children.
What parents can do
Parents can help by sending children to school with insulated water bottles and frozen fruit, and by choosing light-coloured, loose-fitting uniforms made from breathable fabrics. Schools can also provide more flexibility in uniform requirements. Another important aspect is supporting school boards’ efforts to secure funding for classroom retrofits.
By integrating Met Éireann's climate projections into school design, policymakers can future-proof classrooms against rising temperatures
To prepare for future scenarios, schools and parents can co-create heat action plans and gradually adopt measures. Designated staff and parents can check on progress and ensure that measures are maintained. Some actions can be conducted with children’s cooperation as STEM-related activities, helping them understand climate change and building design. Awareness activities, conducted with researchers, can benefit both children and teachers.
A need for systemic change
Ireland’s climate is changing, and so must its classroom infrastructure. While individual actions help, systemic solutions are urgent. Met Éireann’s projections indicate that May temperatures could rise by an additional 1.5°C by the middle of this century (2041–2060), making passive cooling systems and revised building codes essential.
While immediate measures like hydration and schedule changes can mitigate risks, systemic investment in resilient classroom infrastructure is important. By integrating Met Éireann’s climate projections into school design standards, policymakers can move further to future-proof classrooms against escalating temperatures.
Parents, educators and policymakers must treat classroom heat not as a seasonal inconvenience, but as a pressing public health issue. The goal is to adapt classroom design so that they can be safe havens for learning, no matter what the weather brings.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
