Worcester Schools Will Dismiss Early Due To High Heat

WORCESTER, MA — Students in Worcester Public Schools will leave classes early on Thursday and Friday due to an ongoing heat wave.

The Worcester area is under a heat advisory until at least Thursday night, with daytime heat indices expected to reach near 100, according to the National Weather Service. Friday will only be slightly cooler with heat indices still in the 90s.

Schools will close three hours early on Thursday and Friday, and the district is also cancelling all sports activities 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., according to a message to parents from Superintendent Rachel Monárrez.

The heat index is a combined measure of air temperature and humidity. When paired, it can feel much hotter outdoors than thermometers may suggest. Such high temperatures have the potential to cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other serious complications — especially for sensitive groups and people engaging in vigorous activity.

Worcester has not opened any official cooling centers during this week's heat wave, but officials typically direct residents to either public library branches or the senior center for air conditioning. The city's pools, splash pads and beaches all officially closed on Sept. 4, and state pools and beaches have also closed for the season.