Alicante classrooms reached extreme temperatures as schools struggled through heatwave

Schools across Alicante province faced extreme classroom temperatures during the recent heat episode, with a new study claiming that 94 per cent of classrooms exceeded 27C, raising renewed concerns about conditions for students and teachers ahead of the summer term.

The report, published by the STEPV education union, analysed temperatures in schools across the Valencian Community during the latest period of unusually hot weather and found that many classrooms remained far above recommended limits during teaching hours. According to the study, Alicante recorded some of the worst results in the region.

Most Alicante classrooms exceeded recommended temperatures

STEPV stated that 94 per cent of monitored classrooms in Alicante surpassed 27C, while many also exceeded 30C during parts of the school day. The union warned that these conditions directly affect concentration, learning performance and general wellbeing for both pupils and staff. (stepv.intersindical.org)

Spain’s workplace safety recommendations generally consider indoor temperatures above 27C unsuitable for sedentary work environments such as offices and classrooms. The union argued that many educational centres in the Valencian Community are not adapted to increasingly frequent heatwaves, particularly older buildings lacking proper insulation, shading systems or air conditioning. (gva.es)

Teachers warned the situation is becoming unsustainable

STEPV described the situation as “unsustainable” and called for urgent investment in climate adaptation measures for schools. Proposed solutions include improved ventilation systems, solar protection, shaded playgrounds and cooling infrastructure. (stepv.intersindical.org)

Teachers have repeatedly warned in recent years that rising temperatures are affecting the final weeks of the academic calendar, particularly in Mediterranean regions such as Alicante where late spring temperatures can already feel like mid-summer. The union also criticised delays in implementing long-promised infrastructure improvements under regional educational investment plans. (gva.es)

Heat concerns continue growing across Spain

The issue has become increasingly prominent across Spain as climate experts warn that heatwaves are arriving earlier and lasting longer than in previous decades. In several parts of the country, schools have already adjusted schedules or introduced emergency heat protocols during periods of extreme temperatures. Parents’ associations and unions have also pushed for national guidelines establishing maximum classroom temperatures and clearer action plans during heat events.

With summer still weeks away, the latest figures from Alicante have reignited debate about whether Spanish schools are adequately prepared for increasingly extreme weather conditions.