Massachusetts schools are preparing to feel the heat on Monday, and some are deciding to avoid it completely by canceling classes.
The trend began on Saturday when it was announced Lowell Public Schools were debating closing because of the heat.
In a letter sent out Saturday, the schools confirmed the possibility, citing predicted temperatures of 94 degrees for Monday.
The full email said:
"Good afternoon - this is the Lowell Public Schools with an important message. At this point, the predicted weather for Monday, June 18th is 94 degrees. As many know, early weather predictions often change the closer we get to the actual date. Please know, we will be monitoring the weather throughout the weekend, and a decision will be made by Sunday afternoon, regarding the status of school for Monday."
The possibility became a reality Sunday night, when it was announced the schools would be closed due to "the forecasted extreme heat conditions."
All Lowell Public Schools will be closed on Monday, June 18, 2018 due to the forecasted extreme heat conditions.
— LPSD (@LowellPSD) June 17, 2018
>>PREVIOUS: Lowell schools cancel school Monday due to extreme heat
Other schools are following suit, with Haverhill and Lawrence's schools both announcing they will operate on a half-day schedule.
Monday 18 June we will be dismissing schools on the half-day early dismissal schedule that is currently in place. So again on Monday schools will be dismissing early. Check your school calendars for specific early dismissal times for your child’s school.
— Haverhill Schools (@havschools) June 17, 2018
🚨 Due to the extreme heat expected tomorrow afternoon, ALL LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL HAVE A HALF DAY ON MONDAY JUNE 18 🚨
— Lawrence Schools (@LPS_Education) June 17, 2018
NO preschool and NO after-school activities
However, all scheduled end-of-year field trips are STILL ON 🎠 🎢 🎡 👍
Lawrence schools are taking an extra step to make their students feel more comfortable, allowing them to wear gym shorts with their uniforms.
Also for Monday, students may wear their gym shorts with uniform shirts
— Lawrence Schools (@LPS_Education) June 17, 2018
On the other end, most schools will still have class in the heat, and some students will be taking their final exams in record-high temperatures.
Foxborough High School's sign at the front of the school said they will still have final exams from June 18 to June 22.
In a statement, Boston Public Schools said they'll be taking a close look at the temperatures on Monday.
"The Boston Public Schools is closely monitoring tomorrow’s forecast of high heat and humidity," the statement read. "We will have every school with a central air conditioning system up and running first thing tomorrow morning. We will also be routinely checking on our school buildings and distributing additional fans and extra bottled water and cups to schools as needed. We will also be advising families and school staff to ensure that their students drink plenty of fluids and use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher."
Cox Media Group