West Hartford Public Schools announced on Wednesday that all schools will close early on Thursday, Sept. 7 due to forecasted heat.

By Ronni Newton

The combination of excessive heat and high humidity has prompted West Hartford Public Schools to schedule an early dismissal on Thursday, Sept. 7 – the third day of a late season heatwave that not only has temperatures soaring into the 90s but also includes dew points in the tropical range pushing the heat index into the high 90s or near 100 and keeping overnight temperatures from falling below 70ºF.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area, which will be in effect through 8 p.m. on Sept. 7.

The district announced that the Emergency Closing Schedule will be followed on Thursday:

• High schools will dismiss at 10:30 a.m.
• Middle schools will dismiss at 11 a.m.
• Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:45 a.m.

Afternoon and evening activities will also be canceled, the district announced – which will delay the start of the fall 2023 high school athletic competition season.

Although it was also hot and humid on Wednesday, schools already have earlier closing and there were no changes to the schedule. Temperatures are supposed to be slightly cooler on Friday, Sept. 8.

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