How To Keep Kids Safe In Back

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A​s kids head back to school across the country, there's often one common refrain: It's too dang hot for this.

A​nd whether it's in the classroom, walking to school or playing sports, it's important to keep kids cool.

(​MORE: See If You're Past The Hottest Time Of The Year)

What we know about hot weather and kids:

-​Children lose fluid more quickly than adults, meaning they can get dehydrated faster.

-​Kids don't always have the judgment to know when to slow down, drink water or get in the shade.

-Temperatures as low as the mid-80s are enough to impair cognitive function and make it harder for students to learn in school.

W​e asked some of our meteorologists who are parents of school-age children to give us their take:

-Kids who start school while it is still meteorological summer will get to enjoy the warm mornings without bulky clothing, but that benefit also comes with muggier mornings and steamier afternoons as they head home.

-Some afternoons will also come with the threat of pop-up thunderstorms and, along the Gulf Coast, hurricanes can be a threat during the first couple of months of the school year.

-The months of changing clothes midway through the day with rapidly changing temperatures are still down the road, but it might be a good idea to bring an umbrella for the heat or for storms, or perhaps an extra bottle of water or extra fruit to stay hydrated.

-For teens who might be outside later in the day, a cooling towel or water-wicking clothing may be a benefit. A battery, phone or solar-powered fan could also be worthwhile if you're walking home.

We asked another expert, Dr. Neil Gandhi of Houston Methodist Hospital, to tell us what parents and coaches need to know when it comes to sports:

-"We have young athletes who are spending hours a day outside and they're particularly vulnerable to this heat."

-"It's important to note that most children can handle the heat fairly well, but it may take them a little bit of time to acclimatize."

-"What we don't want to see is a child who's been at home for a few weeks on the couch just relaxing and all of a sudden they go into a two-a-day football practice for some very intense workout regime that, coupled with the heat, can be a toxic combination."

-"For coaches, I think it's important to make sure that you're able to keep a close eye on your team, make sure that you're giving them plenty of time to stay hydrated and take water breaks if possible."

-"Depending on where you are and your ability to utilize your field, opt for either early morning practices or evening practices."

O​ther tips to help keep kids safe:

-​Make sure they stay hydrated, avoiding sugary drinks or caffeine.

-​Make sure they are eating healthy foods.

-​Have them wear cool, lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting clothing.

M​ORE ON WEATHER.COM

-Why Does School Start So Early?

-As Temperatures Soar, One In Six US Families Can't Pay Their Utility Bill

-​Six Things To Know About Heat Waves

-​What Is The Heat Index And Why Is It Used?

Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.