Weather & Recreation Cancellation Info

For up-to-date information on status of athletic play due to weather and current field conditions, call the weather/program hotline number at 651-366-6210. The message is updated daily after 4:00 p.m.

Would you like to be notified of weather related announcements that affect sports and recreation activities? Log on to the City's Notify Me page.

  1. Inclement Weather Policy
  2. Athletic Field Rain Out Policy

The South St. Paul Parks & Recreation Department will use the following guidelines and procedures for inclement weather to safeguard participants, spectators and staff. The Parks & Recreation Department retains the right to cancel or modify activities due to weather conditions. Information from the National Weather Service (NOAA) will be used to ensure programs, activities and facilities can be operated in a safe manner. 

INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS PROCEDURES:

Listed below are different weather conditions and how they will affect programs or facility areas. 

Severe Weather Warning:

In the case of severe weather sighting, the issuing of a severe weather warning, or a weather siren sounded, all unsheltered outdoor activities must be stopped. Participants must be out of the water at outdoor pools. Participants at recreation programs and general park facility users are advised to seek shelter. 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning:

Outside activities will cease or observe a delayed start if necessary. Recreation programs and swimming in outdoor pools will be suspended until the warning is ended. 

Lightning:

Upon the first sight of lightning or sound of thunder, all outdoor activity must stop immediately. No activity can resume outdoors until 30 minutes after the last sighting of lightning or sound of thunder. Programs will be moved indoors if possible. 

Tornado:

In the event of a tornado warning or sirens, seek the best possible shelter available immediately. Outdoor pool activities will be moved to locker room areas. 

Heat:

 If the heat index is 105°F or above, all outdoor Parks & Recreation activities will be canceled or moved to an indoor location if possible. Outdoor Pools will remain open at the discretion of Parks & Recreation Administration. 

Cold:

Outdoor rinks and warming houses will close if the temperature falls below -10°F and/or -15°F wind chill. Snow event closings will be determined on a case-by-case basis. For pool closures see “Outdoor Pools” section. 

Air Quality:

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches a value of 101-151, outdoor programs will run with decreased intense physical activity. When the AQI reaches a value of 151 or higher, all outdoor programs and events will be moved indoors or cancelled. AQI information will be pulled from (www.airnow.gov)

 OUTDOOR POOLS: 

Pools will close for the following reasons for safety of users and staff: 

  • Pool will close for 30 minutes if lightning is detected by staff. 
  • Pool will close if rain limits visibility of the pool by staff. 
  • Pool will close or have limited hours if temperature falls below 65°F.

WEATHER UPDATES: 

City sponsored programs, activities or facilities closing will be posted the following ways. 

  • Weather Hotline: 651-366-6210 

When closures are determined according to this policy, park facility rentals, school sports or groups using city fields and facilities will be responsible for notifying their participants and guests. Refunds will not be issued due to inclement weather.