MID-HUDSON – Several local schools dismissed students early on Thursday and are expected to do the same on Friday due to the extreme heat that has struck the region.
According to the National Weather Service, the Hudson Valley is in a heat advisory with temperatures hovering in the 90s. The heat index values have pushed the temperatures into the upper 90s and 100 this week in some areas, prompting approximately 30 school districts to schedule early dismissals.
“Similar to schools across the county, the Newburgh School District is navigating the situation as best as we can to keep our scholars and educators safe during the heat advisory issued for our area,” said Newburgh Superintendent of Schools Dr. J. Manning Campbell. “There are multiple factors to consider when deciding to release students early from school. While many of our school buildings have air-conditioned spaces, we also have to keep in mind the temperature of our school buses in the afternoon.”
Due to the extreme heat, Newburgh is on a modified half-day schedule on Thursday and Friday, dismissing students at different schools between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Across Orange County at Minisink Valley, middle school students were scheduled to be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. and elementary school students early at 12:40 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Recognition Ceremony was moved from Faller Field at Middletown High School on Thursday night to West Point’s Eisenhower Hall. The heat is expected to let up only slightly over the weekend and temperatures will remain in at least the 80s and as high as 90 next week.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heat is the deadliest weather hazard and each year 1,220 people die in heat events. During extreme heat conditions, residents need to protect themselves and their families from the effects of the heat by staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
“As temperatures rise and humidity increases, heat index values become dangerous to everyone,” said Dutchess County Emergency Response Deputy Commissioner Shawn Castano. “If you must be outdoors, it’s important to stay safe by knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and avoid overheating. Stay hydrated and stay in air-conditioned areas, if possible. Be sure to check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly and those with special needs. And, of course, never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.”
