Milwaukee Public Schools Closing Wednesday Amid Extreme Heat Warning

MILWAUKEE, WI — All Milwaukee Public Schools are set to be closed on Wednesday to keep children safe amid an excessive heat warning that stretches across Milwaukee County and much of the state, MPS announced Tuesday.

In addition, MPS said all after-school activities, athletics, Recreation Child Care Camps, Community Learning Centers, Safe Places, and all Milwaukee Recreation programs are canceled for Wednesday. The central services and all administrative services buildings will remain open with staff at those sites expected to report for work, MPS said.

The excessive heat watch remains in effect into Thursday and district officials said they are monitoring the forecast closely.

"We will alert families and staff as soon as possible if any changes will be made to school or program schedules for Thursday," MPS wrote. "Please stay safe during this extremely hot weather!"

The National Weather Service said dangerously hot conditions on Wednesday could bring heat index values up to 114 across parts of Wisconsin, including the greater Milwaukee area. An excessive heat warning is in effect from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

The extreme heat and humidity will increase the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, especially for people who work outside, forecasters warned.