Public schools in Yonkers will close early on Thursday, while schools in New York City are taking precautions due to extreme heat.
In the Yonkers schools, the third largest district in the state, classes sometimes end as early as 11 a.m., depending on the situation.
Although schools are keen to provide a comfortable environment for children, it is at the discretion of the head teachers not to serve hot meals as they are also prepared to serve cold meals if required.
In addition, caretakers come early to turn on the air conditioning before students arrive to ensure comfortable temperatures.
There are 555 cooling centers throughout the city. These are indoor, air-conditioned spaces that can be used during the day and are open as part of the city’s ongoing heat emergency plan.
Of those, 239 were closed on Wednesday for the federal Juneteenth holiday. All will reopen as cooling centers, including all 179 libraries.
The state is also helping New Yorkers escape the heat and humidity by offering free admission to state parks like Riverbank.
Admission is also free at Roberto Clemente and Gantry Plaza State Parks. In the city, admission is also free at Jones Beach and Sunken Meadow State Parks on Long Island and at Bear Mountain and Rockland Lake State Parks in the Hudson Valley.
Phil Taitt has details on early school closings in Yonkers.
