Heat wave subsides just in time for Friday night lights in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb, (KLKN) – Lincoln Public Schools postponed kickoffs for high school football games Friday because of excessive heat.

Athletic trainers were using a device called a wet bulb globe thermometer to monitor conditions.

It takes many variables into account, like wind speed, humidity and temperature.

When the thermometer reads above 89.7 degrees, it means the conditions are in the black category, the extreme risk level.

Friday afternoon, it was picking up readings of nearly 93.

But by evening, the temperatures had died down enough to play, and no breaks were needed.

With the heat this week, all athletic competitions hosted by LPS had an athletic trainer on-site, reading the thermometer.

“This is just unprecedented,” said Crystal Kjar, the head athletic trainer for Southwest High School. “We have the opportunity to be more proactive.”

Kjar said athletic trainers want to do their part because heat-related illnesses are preventable.

The heat can particularly affect football players, who are wearing pads and gear while they play.

“It is so important to follow those recommendations that we do in practice,” she said. “These kids are going to go all out in a competition. They’re not going to take their foot off the pedal because we’re competing.”