Dearborn Schools to close Wednesday due to extreme heat

Emma Stein, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
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With temperatures expected to soar above 100 degrees on Wednesday, Dearborn Public Schools announced that school is canceled.

"Although Thursday temperatures are also forecasted to be in the 90s, the heat index on that day is forecasted to not be as severe," the schools said in an announcement to families. "Several Dearborn Public Schools are air-conditioned throughout the building and those that do not have at least one common area with air conditioning."

The heat will start to climb on Tuesday, reaching around 90 degrees, and it will peak on Wednesday, said Dave Kook, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

"Wednesday looks to be the hottest day of the week, and Thursday, we'll have a third day where temperatures could reach into the lower 90s," Kook said. "And besides those temperatures, humidity is going to be very high. So the temperatures are going to feel even warmer than that, and we're kind of looking at that Wednesday period when the heat indices will exceed 100 degrees."

The district said a similar issue might arise during its summer school program, but there are fewer students, and it is easier to manage with the sometimes-limited air-conditioned rooms.

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The Michigan State Police is asking residents to take precautions to prepare for the sweltering heat:

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks that cause dehydration.

  • Wear clothing that allows good air circulation.

  • Limit vigorous activity.

  • If outside, avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade.

  • Try to schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.

  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, blinds or awnings to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.

  • Check on family members or neighbors who are elderly, young, sick or have other health risks, as they are more susceptible to excessive heat.

  • Ensure pets have cool housing areas and plenty of water.

  • Learn about available cooling centers or public locations with air conditioning in your community.

Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @_emmastein.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn Schools to close Wednesday due to extreme heat