Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Clayton Schools cancels outdoor activities to avoid ‘red level’ heat

Clayton County Schools cancels outdoor activities for the week because of "red level" heat.
Clayton County Schools cancels outdoor activities for the week because of "red level" heat.
By Leon Stafford
July 8, 2024

Clayton County Schools on Monday canceled all outdoor activities for the week because of “red level” heat.

The south metro Atlanta district instructed schools to put the kibosh on “district-sanctioned outdoor events” because of National Weather Service forecasts that predict daily highs could reach into the mid-90s throughout the week, with a heat index as high as 105 degrees.

The district warned that thunderstorms and scattered showers also are forecast for the week.

The decision comes almost five years after a Clayton County student died after participating in outdoor athletic drills in extreme heat. Imani Bell, 16, collapsed and later died after running conditioning drills on stairs on Aug. 13, 2019. His family settled a lawsuit against the school district for $10 million in 2022.

Clayton leaders on Monday also encouraged parents and guardians to weigh the impact of the weather on personal outdoor activities. The district suggested parents dress their children for the weather and keep them hydrated.

About the Author

Leon Stafford covers south metro government

More Stories

Keep Reading

The fire happened at the home on Baywood Crossing that belongs to a Hiram police officer, officials said. (Paulding County Fire Rescue)

Credit: Paulding County Fire Rescue

Hiram officer loses home to fire on Thanksgiving Day

A metro Atlanta police officer’s home went up in flames on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. No residents or firefighters were injured, according to Paulding Fire Rescue.

Americans eye Thanksgiving travel weather after Texas tornadoes, snow and rain elsewhere

Some suburban Houston residents are dealing with cleanup following at least two tornadoes as heavy rain falls around the South and snow in parts of the Midwest

Gainesville High School takes legal action to overturn player suspensions

School makes filings to Hall County Superior Court in hopes that 34 suspended players will be able to play Friday.

The Latest

Sonny Bharadia, who spent more than two decades behind bars for a 2001 crime he did not commit, is suing the small town of Thunderbolt and the two law enforcement officers who handled his case. (Courtesy of Georgia Innocence Project)

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

Rain produces wet roads in Atlanta for returning holiday travelers

Gridlock Guy: Too much ‘holiday cheer’ can shatter silent night on the road

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Earth needs more energy. Atlanta’s Super Soaker creator may have a solution.

The legendary inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, is refining technology in Atlanta that he thinks could help the planet reduce energy waste.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

2025 SEC championship game: Kickoff time, TV channel, participants, ticket info

The 2025 SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. Below you can find information on game time, TV channel and particpants for the game.