WEATHER UPDATES
Current Weather at Field Locations
Threatening Weather Policy
SBMSA Weather and Playability Policy – 9/2026
SBMSA has multiple policies and procedures designed to maintain a safe and playable
environment for all participants. This policy provides overall definitions and guidelines
for inclement weather situations. Each sport’s board is responsible for applying these
guidelines to its respective sport; see each sport’s page on the SBMSA website for
more information.
Inclement Weather Definitions and Monitoring:
Lightning Monitoring and Alerts:
The Perry Weather System monitors lightning strikes within a 10 Mile radius of each
location.
If a lightning strike is detected, it starts a 30-Minute Countdown for no lightning strikes.
During the countdown, all play must be suspended, and teams must vacate the fields.
If another lightning strike is detected during the 30-Minute Countdown, the timer will
RESET to 30 Minutes and restart.
If there are no lightning strikes detected during the 30-Minute Countdown, the station
will CLEAR, and play can resume.
Heat Monitoring:
The Perry Weather Stations also monitor Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which
measures how direct sunlight truly feels to the human body, factoring in multiple
environmental elements to gauge heat stress.
If the WBGT is higher than 82°F, players must take at least 4 water breaks per hour;
breaks between quarters and halftime during games count as water breaks.
The WBGT is visible on the Perry Weather Web Widgets.
Perry Weather Station Field Links
Coaches and spectators can monitor each field using the Perry Weather Web Widgets
for Lightning and Heat.
All Stations – https://sbmsa.org/weather-policy/
SBEC – https://widget.perryweather.com/?id=4ef271c6-07ff-475b-961a-
1f70b3ecc834
Spring Woods MS / Pine Shadows ES –
https://widget.perryweather.com/?id=0ebad307-12f0-4436-aba6-fc4650b9918a
Spring Branch ES – https://widget.perryweather.com/?id=bd5f2392-c919-
4c96-830f-3192bb8d538b
Westchester Academy – https://widget.perryweather.com/?id=00a26444-
91c5-462b-ab1c-a3bc7322bf26
Pinecrest – https://widget.perryweather.com/?id=b9afafdc-85a3-4aba-8dfb-
680dac87d7db
Memorial Middle School – https://widget.perryweather.com/?id=944bfc83-
d404-43c3-a169-cc8011f13a6a
Spring Forest Middle School – https://widget.perryweather.com/?id=4d91e0db-d2d3-
4fdf-b6fe-a42de5a4fc27
Field Conditions & Playability
Each Sport’s Board will inspect field conditions after rain events for standing water,
excessive mud, and other issues. If there are unsafe or unplayable conditions on a
field, the games on that field may be rescheduled.
Procedures for Inclement Weather
Each sport will have specific procedures for inspecting fields, handling lightning or
weather delays, and communicating this information to coaches and fans. Please visit
the sport-specific pages on the SBMSA website for more information.
- At the first sound of nearby thunder or any sighting of visible lightning, the coaches and/or umpires shall determine the “flash-to-bang” count (the seconds between the flash of lightning and the bang of thunder). When the “flash-to-bang” count is 30 seconds or less, the game or practice must be stopped immediately:
-If prior to the beginning of a game, the opposing head coaches will make the decision whether to begin play after the storm has ended.
–After a game starts, the umpire-in-charge will in his/her discretion determine when/whether to suspend play and when/whether to resume play after the storm has ended. If the threatening condition(s) do not clear within a reasonable period of time, the game should be called/suspended and completed at a later date, if possible.
-If during a practice, the head coach will make the decision whether to resume practice after the storm has ended.
– In all cases where the game/practice has been stopped due to the “flash-to-bang” count, there shall be a delay of the game/practice of not less than thirty (30) minutes after the last visual sighting of lightning or hearing thunder.
- Seek shelter in a non-metal building or a fully enclosed vehicle with the windows completely shut and wait for a decision on whether to continue the game or practice.
- Stay away from metal objects such as fencing and metal bats. Avoid high ground and open spaces. Avoid the dugouts – they are not safe from lightning. Avoid going underneath trees since trees “attract” lightning.
- If no shelter is available and lightning is striking nearby, you should:
-Avoid direct contact with other people
-Remove all metal objects from your person - If a nearby person is injured from lightning, give first aid procedures if you are qualified to do so. An injured person does not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Send for help immediately.