AMHERST – Due to excessive heat, a number of schools in Hampshire County will be dismissed early Wednesday.
Amherst, Easthampton and Belchertown public schools are set to dismiss their students early, as are Greenfield Public Schools in Franklin County. Holyoke Public Schools, meanwhile, has postponed the first day of school until tomorrow.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for eastern Hampshire County and other portions of New England that will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday evening. It says there will be heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit because of temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and dew points in the mid 70s.
“An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely,” as per the National Weather Service.
People are advised to reschedule strenuous activities, wear light clothing, drink water, and stay in air conditioning.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.