MA School Districts Canceling, Calling Early Dismissals For Heat

As triple-digit temperature loom, several Massachusetts school districts have already called for early dismissals this week ahead of the beginning of the school year. One district is even pushing its first day back two more days.

At least Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Medford, and Springfield have announced early dismissals this week. Holyoke schools won't even open Tuesday and Wednesday, meaning the first day of school will be Thursday.

"Many of our buildings are not equipped to keep students and staff cool enough during such extreme weather conditions," Holyoke Superintendent Steve Zrike said on Facebook. "In the interest of student and staff safety, it is best to launch our school year on Thursday."

The adjustments come as the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning, excessive heat watch, and heat advisory. Record-high temperatures are possible Tuesday and Wednesday as we could see close to 100 degrees both days, with heat indices of 105+.

Boston's record high for Aug. 28 is 99 degrees, and Worcester's high is 94 degrees. Both of those were set in 1948. Boston's Aug. 29 record high is 96 degrees, and Worcester's is 93 degrees. Both of those were set in 1953.

Temperatures will fall back into the 70s on Friday. Then you can start looking forward to snow days.

Image via shutterstock