San Diego Schools Struggle with AC Failures Amid Heat Wave
San Diego Schools Struggle with AC Failures Amid Heat Wave
US · Published Sep 13, 2026
San Diego Unified School District is grappling with widespread air conditioning failures during a regional heat wave, as reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
Classrooms at Gage Elementary School in San Carlos reached temperatures as high as 89°F (31.6°C) over the past two days, leaving students and teachers in sweltering conditions.

Impact & Risks

The heat wave and malfunctioning air conditioning systems are significantly impacting students and teachers in San Diego Unified School District. At Gage Elementary, students have reportedly experienced heat rashes and discomfort due to classroom temperatures exceeding 89°F (31.6°C). Teachers have resorted to using spray bottles and fans to keep students cool. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly among young children. The district's aging HVAC systems are struggling to cope with the increased demand during extreme heat, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of these systems.

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