The week of Sept. 29 saw the highest temperatures recorded in Cupertino, with peak temperatures reaching 104°F and an average high of around 95°F. An executive heat advisory, a warning issued by the National Weather Service when the heat index is expected to reach a certain level within a specific time frame, was declared by NWS and recommended Cupertino residents stay inside. During this week an excessive heat warning was sent out every day around 5 a.m. and effective until 11 p.m. The district canceled many after-school activities such as sports games and practices. Senior Clara Fan had trouble staying focused and energized due to the intense temperatures.

“The heat definitely made me a lot more drained out,” Fan said. “When I got back home, it made doing my homework a lot harder. I struggled to keep myself awake and productive.”

As a track and field athlete who trains year-round, Fan usually runs in the evenings, but with the excessive heat, it was still warm during that time. She found ways to keep up with the weather and continue to work out. She continues to remind herself to stay hydrated, making sure to drink electrolytes since she still has to follow through with her extracurricular activities such as Homecoming practice and workouts.

With Homecoming skits occurring the same week, students had to adapt to the excessive heat by moving from the rally court stage to the Student Union. Fan, who was a skit dancer, mentions that while the change might have been inconvenient, the seniors were still able to practice for their Homecoming skit.

“The heat affected our Homecoming rehearsal,” Fan said. “We were supposed to have our full run-throughs and practices outside on the rally court stage but instead we had to move to the Student Union to practice. It was more cramped, but we got it done.”