The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch from Tuesday morning through Friday evening, with dangerously hot conditions and heat index values up to 106 degrees possible throughout the region. AccuWeather.com predicts high temperatures of 95 degrees on Tuesday, 96 degrees on Wednesday, 97 degrees on Thursday, and 93 degrees on Friday, dropping to a high of 92 degrees on Saturday and 88 degrees on Sunday.
To help keep students and staff healthy and safe during this period of excessive heat, HPS schools are limiting outdoor recess breaks and physical education classes to minimize exposure to high temperatures and humidity. All HPS schools offer air conditioning, and school staff will monitor indoor air temperatures to ensure safe and comfortable learning spaces.
Families are asked to send their children to school with full water bottles so they can remain hydrated on their way to and from school. Each school building offers a water bottle refilling station so students can refill their bottles while at school. Air conditioning will be in use at all HPS schools.
It’s important to take steps to remain cool, as hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses to occur. Extreme heat guidance | (En Español)
All community members are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room if possible, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
If you're looking for a place to stay cool, here are some local options:
Holyoke Library, 250 Chestnut Street, is open 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. today through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday.
The Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine Street, is open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekdays.
The Holyoke Mall is open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. today through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday.
All three locations are air conditioned, free to enter, and are accessible via public transportation.