Heat wave in RI could bring the hottest temperatures we've seen; schools announce closures
PROVIDENCE – A heat advisory will continue through Friday in Rhode Island with the temperature forecast to reach 93 degrees in the Providence area and a heat index, or "real feel," approaching 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
"High temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur," the weather service says.
Many Rhode Island school districts have canceled classes or will dismiss students early today with the National Weather Service forecasting the hottest day of the year for the Providence area.
The hottest weather of the year moved in just as students in Rhode Island returned to the classroom following a summer break. The temperature in the Providence area reached 89 degrees on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
With the temperature expected to climb to 93 degrees and a heat advisory issued, at least 16 public school districts and many Catholic schools have canceled classes or will dismiss students early.
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Beaches remain available for swimming, although they're not staffed by lifeguards.
When will this heat end?
This September sizzler is expected to peak Thursday and reach 87 Friday before easing for the weekend, although the humidity is likely to stick around and rain could move into the area, according to the weather service.
"Oppressive heat and humidity build through late week," the weather service posted on X. "We anticipate that Thursday will be the hottest day of the week, but head index values of 95F+ may persist into Friday! If you spend an extended amount of time outdoors, please take extra precautions!"
The advisory will include Providence, Kent and Bristol counties, but not Washington and Newport counties, which will get a reprieve in the sea breeze. The advisory will run until 8 p.m. Friday. It was also issued for parts of southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Schools cancel or cut classes short in anticipation of extreme heat
The following schools in Rhode Island canceled school or announced early release on Thursday:
Barrington Public Schools: Half-day Thursday. There will be no AM/PM or full-day preschool. Students ordering school lunch will receive a bagged lunch before dismissal.
Burrillville Public Schools: Two-hour early dismissal Thursday, no pre-K, all after school activities canceled, open houses rescheduled. High and middle schools students will have option of bagged lunch; elementary students will be served lunch prior to dismissal.
Central Falls School District: Half day Thursday, students will be sent home with a bagged lunch.
Coventry Public Schools: Early release Thursday, no Pre-K, no after school activities, grab-and-go lunch.
Cranston Public Schools: Schools will be release three hours from the start of the school day Thursday.
Cumberland Public Schools: Early release Thursday, no after school activities including sports, no a.m./p.m. preschool.
East Providence Public Schools: Early dismissal Thursday. High school 10:30 a.m., middle school 11:15 a.m., elementary noon.
Pawtucket Public Schools: Closed Thursday.
Providence Public Schools: 19 schools closed Thursday. There will be free meals available to students and families at 234 Daboll Street (Bucklin Kitchen) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For the schools that stay open, there will be no outdoor recess or afterschool activities district wide. Schools that are not on this list will remain open.
1. Asa Messer Elementary School
2. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School
3. George J. West Elementary School
4. Harry Kizirian Elementary School
5. Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School
6. Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School
7. Vartan Gregorian Elementary School
8. Veazie Street Elementary School
9. Webster Avenue Elementary School
10. Esek Hopkins Middle School
11. Gilbert Stuart Middle School
12. Nathan Bishop Middle School
13. Nathanael Greene Middle School
14. Roger Williams Middle School
15. West Broadway Middle School
16. A-Venture Academy
17. Classical High School
18. Hope High School
19. Mt. Pleasant High School
Scituate Public Schools: Early dismissal Thursday.
Smithfield Public Schools: Early dismissal Thursday. All athletic practices and tryouts have been canceled for Thursday.
Warwick Public Schools: Early release day Thursday.
West Warwick Public Schools: Early release day Thursday.
Woonsocket Public Schools: Schools will be dismissed early Thursday. All pre-K classes will be canceled, along with after school activities. Students will receive lunch before dismissal.
Safety precautions to take
The weather service provides the following advice for dealing with the oppressive heat and humidity:
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."
"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible."
"To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
"Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911."
Where did this heat come from?
The oppressive heat moved into the region after Rhode Island had one of its coolest meteorological summers on record. The Providence area was 2.1 degrees cooler than normal, with an average of 69.8 degrees. Meteorological summer runs from June 1 through Aug. 31.
The temperature didn't reach 90 degrees in the Providence area at all this summer, and it normally reaches that mark 10 or 11 times, according to the weather service. The official temperature for the Providence area is taken at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick.
Since 1905, the temperature has failed to reach 90 degrees in only three years, 1962, 1951 and 1932, according to weather service records.
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September started out feeling like fall, with the first two days much cooler than normal, and then the temperature climbed into the 80s Sunday and reached 89 Tuesday.
The high Thursday is predicted to get close to the record for the date, which is 96 degrees in 1983, according to the weather service.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Weather: Heat wave could bring highest temperatures of the year
