Handful of area school districts alter schedules amid heat wave

Greyson Steele, Battle Creek Enquirer
Updated ·2 min read
Kayden Wardell, 5, uses a zebra blaster during the unveiling of the Wet Safari Splash Pad at Claude Evans Park Saturday, July 10, 2021, in Battle Creek.

A handful of Calhoun County school districts are altering schedules Thursday as heat index values are expected to reach triple digits.

A heat advisory remains in effect for Calhoun County through 9 p.m. Thursday as heat index values up to 104 degrees are expected, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to reach 92 degrees Thursday.

Slightly cooler temperatures are expected Friday, with a high of 81 degrees. Saturday and Sunday are expected to reach highs of 77 and 75, respectively.

Athens Area Schools and Union City Community Schools canceled classes Thursday amid the heat advisory. Marshall Public Schools and Pennfield Schools, meanwhile, transitioned students to a half-day schedule Thursday, citing the expected high heat index values.

The Harper Creek at Lakeview varsity football game has also been moved to 7:30 p.m. Friday due to weather.

High temperatures and humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. The weather service advises to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.

Those looking to beat the heat Thursday can take refuge at a number of locations in Marshall, including:

  • City of Marshall Public Service Building training room, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 900 S. Marshall St.

  • Marshall Regional Law Enforcement Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 714 U.S. Hwy 27 N

  • Marshall District Library, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., 124 W. Green St.

  • Cross Roads Church and Ministries, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 717 U.S. Hwy 27 N

  • Franke Center for the Arts, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 214 E. Mansion St.

  • Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 15885 W. Michigan Ave.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Handful of area school districts alter schedules amid heat wave