PPS to dismiss early due to heat

With temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees this week, and with the region under a heat advisory from the National Weather Service, the Pittsburgh Public Schools will operate on a half-day schedule for its final two days of classes, Wednesday and Thursday.

The district said Tuesday that the decision was made to provide relief to students and staff members in buildings that do not have air conditioning, where temperatures can surpass 100 degrees in this heat.

A half-day schedule, the district said, will help ensure adequate transportation and assist families to coordinate the necessary childcare.

As part of the half-day release, all schools and early childhood centers will be dismissed per the half-day schedule they followed throughout the school year.

Promotions and end-of-the-year celebrations will still occur at the previously scheduled times, and central administration offices will remain open, according to the district.

The district said parents have the option to keep their child home for any health and safety reason, including for weather- related events. Parents who keep their children home should call their school to report the absence and send in a written explanation within three days to receive an excused absence.

School districts across the country, including in Philadelphia, have had to recently close early because it’s been too hot to keep students in classrooms.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Wednesday for much of southwestern Pennsylvania, where temperatures could hit 93 but feel like 104 with humidity at 72%.

According to the NWS, the advisory goes into effect at 1 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m.

During that time, they urge people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, and stay out of the sun.

It’s important to check up on relatives and neighbors, they added.

Morning thunderstorms are expected to return in the Pittsburgh region on Wednesday, with the weather changing to partly cloudy by the afternoon.

Temperatures should lower slightly in the evening, resting at around 76 degrees.

Portions of eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia are also on heat advisory, according to the NWS. Moving toward central Ohio, that heat advisory changes to an excessive heat warning.

In cities like New Philadelphia, Ohio, the heat index could hit 108 degrees, and heat-related illnesses could increase significantly.