Salem Schools Issue Heat Warning Amid Sweltering September Stretch

SALEM, MA — As a cool, raining summer transforms into a heat wave just in time for the return to school, Salem officials are advising students and staff to take precautions to stay healthy — and as comfortable as possible — for the rest of the week.

While there are no plans for Salem to cancel school or send students home early — as is the case in Worcester and Framingham — officials are encouraging students to "wear clothing that will help them to remain cool" and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Students who bring water bottles can fill them at bottle-filling stations located in all schools.

"While inconsistent and uneven in some places, the majority of our buildings have air conditioning," officials said. "We have additional fans available and have encouraged classrooms to move to cooler parts of buildings as needed.

"Thank you for your partnership as we get through the heat wave."

The sweltering September stretch hit a tipping point in some Massachusetts city schools this week with early dismissals determined to be the only way to provide relief in buildings without air conditioning as the heat index is forecast to approach 100 degrees.

Framingham Public Schools announced that Thursday will be an early release day in that city.

The district has also canceled all afternoon and evening school activities on Thursday due to the excessive heat. This includes athletic events, which proves interesting for the Framingham High School football team, which opens the season on Friday.

Worcester schools are closing three hours early both Thursday and Friday.

In that city, all sports activities were canceled on Wednesday and Thursday. Some sports teams may still be able to practice but will have to do so at either 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)