Extreme Heat Prompts Early Closing At Plainfield South

PLAINFIELD, IL — With a heat index of up to 115 degrees in parts of the Chicago area, Plainfield South High School announced it is dismissing students early on Tuesday.

"We are monitoring the temperatures in all of our buildings and are dismissing Plainfield South High School after 5th period (12:08 p.m.) today due to extremely high temperatures in some areas of the school," Superintendent Glen Wood said in a notification to parents. "We expect to resume our normal schedule tomorrow.

"Maintenance staff worked overnight on the air conditioning units and although they have made progress, it is still not running efficiently."

According to the Emergency Closing Center, Lyons Township High School in La Grange also announced it is closing early. In some areas, trash pickup was also scheduled an hour early due to the expected heat.

Showers and storms were expected to bring some relief from the heat starting Tuesday night, the National Weather Service said. A severe weather threat is possible Tuesday afternoon through evening, including damaging winds, lightning, hail and downpours.

For those who are without air conditioning, here is a list of cooling centers available in Will County. The National Weather Service advised residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, urging, "Consider altering your outdoor plans, including school sports practices. This is the hottest air that we’ve experienced so far this summer."

Related: Geneva Residents Asked To Reduce Electric Use Amid Tuesday's Heat