School closures announced Thu.-Fri for ‘extremely hot weather' in Boston area

Several major school districts in the Boston area announced they were modifying or canceling classes on Thursday and Friday, with heat and humidity set to bring the heat index up around 100.

See an updated list of school closings in the area here.

Lowell Public Schools are closing Thursday and Friday, citing the "extremely hot weather" in the forecast that would make effective teaching impossible in many classrooms.

"Have a great weekend. Stay cool and hydrated," the school district.

Worcester Public Schools announced early dismissal for Thursday and Friday — all students would be sent home three hours early, and high school sports games were canceled at least Wednesday and Thursday.

Framingham Public Schools planned an early release for students Thursday and canceled all activities that afternoon and evening.

Many parents may be wondering where this week's hot temperatures were over the summer, when kids could go play in the pool or were on vacation. Now that class is back in session, the heat is on and many school buildings in Massachusetts are older and lack air conditioning.

With temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and 90s this week – some school districts have brought in fans to try to cool down the classrooms. But, they can only do so much in this heat and humidity blanketing New England this week.

In Connecticut, dozens of schools were planning early dismissals on Wednesday amid the high temperatures.

Administrators in districts like Worcester Public Schools also sent out advisories to staff members to try to limit their time outside in direct sun, limit their exertion during classroom activities, and keep a close eye on them for any signs of heat exhaustion.

Students said it can be tough to even concentrate in this heat.

"We don’t have air conditioning, but we do have a few fans, that’s all. It was still really hot in the classroom," Worcester eighth grader Troy Loughney said.

"It was really hard just like in general, I kept getting like basically my arms would stick to my desk, and I would have to like rip them up because it was so hot and sweaty and it also smelled so bad from all the sweat," Worcester freshman Hannah Baronowski said.

Much of this may seem obvious, but doctors say the best thing people can do for their kids is dress them in lightweight clothing, lighter colors, maybe pack an extra water, or put extra ice in their water bottle.