Heat Forces Public Schools to Close Early

The cold weather failed to close schools this winter, but hot temperatures forced the district's hand.

Temperatures in the the School District of Philadelphia to close schools early. In a news release, the district announced the closing.

"The district is taking this heat warning seriously by closing schools early, which includes early childhood programs, at 1:30 p.m. today. At the 1:30 p.m. dismissal time, routine transportation will occur for students," it read.

Spokesperson Deirdre Darragh released the info, and explained the closure, saying, "The expected extreme weather coupled by the high humidity levels could create a situation in which heat illness is possible."

In addition, all afterschool programs will be cancelled. Staff will remain in the building until all students have left or have been picked up.