The extreme heat is disrupting back-to-school schedules in western Massachusetts.
In Springfield, where some schools built in the late 1800’s lack air conditioning, Mayor Domenic Sarno said the decision was made to dismiss children early both Tuesday and Wednesday.
" There was no question on it," Sarno said Tuesday morning about the decision to send the city's 25,000 school children home after a half-day of classes both Tuesday and Wednesday.
" We want to air on the side of caution," he said.
Opening day for the new school year in Holyoke has been postponed until Thursday.
Cooling centers have been opened in Springfield and Chicopee.