It's Hot Out There

State and Federal officials are issuing smog alerts and the American Red Cross is highlighting heat safety tips on its website, as summer seems to have arrived ahead of its official date on the calendar.

Several school systems in Connecticut, including New Britain and Litchfield, have decided to dismiss students early on Wednesday because of the heat.

Tom Moore, Assistant Superintendent for Administration for the said that "right now we don't anticipate closing early."

West Hartford Schools have regularly scheduled early dismissal times on Wednesdays, with high schools closing at 12:48 p.m., middle schools at 1:30 p.m., and elementary schools at 2 p.m., and they plan to maintain that schedule for today.

A final decision has not yet been made about Thursday, which is supposed to be equally hot and humid, but as of now Moore anticipates a full day. "It's the end of the year, and especially with exams beginning, it would be very difficult to make up the lost time."

Moore said that schools have closed for heat waves in the past when the buildings are unable to be cooled at all. Custodial staff worked last night to cool and ventilate those buidings which do not have air conditioning, and teachers have been advised to take precautions to avoid heat-related problems.