We can’t blame this one on schools starting too early since Labor Day just passed… yesterday. Today already started with weather related school delays on the lower eastern shore due to fog. Now heat and high humidity is to blame for Baltimore County Public Schools closing early.
Their statement:
Due to the forecasted extreme temperatures and the relative humidity expected in many of our schools, Baltimore County Public Schools will dismiss all schools two hours early today, Tuesday, September 8, 2015. All evening and afterschool activities are cancelled.
Without adding any bias, I do want to say that I am not in Baltimore County. It is hot where I am and I will b coaching my son’s soccer team this evening. I wish we had cancelled last week’s practice in the heat and not looking forward to today’s action. The kids need a drink break frequently… and so do I.
As of the Baltimore County Public School announcement and writing this article, temperatures were rising through the 80s. The humidity is a factor and schools without air conditioning most likely are feeling it. The policy I was familiar with related to schools closing early if temperatures were to be at or above 90F by noon. The forecast map from the HRRR Model below suggest that. My question is about the surrounding counties. This forecast shows temperatures will be hotter inland, away from the Bay. In fact mid 90s expected this afternoon for much of Howard, Carroll, and even Frederick Counties. In fact much of Maryland west of I-95 should reach near 90F by noon.
*Note: You can see the updated temperature map shown here on my home page (from desktop only now). Use the map controls to display temperatures.
HRRR Model: Forecast Temperatures
Thoughts:
I’ve been in many schools on hot days with no air conditioning. It is not comfortable! Definitely difficult for teachers to instruct and kids to focus. Is that a product of our society accustomed to a controlled environment and not dealing with conditions like decades long ago? Or are the schools just that poorly designed for hot weather?
I really am more curious, wondering about collaboration among the counties. I know many discuss winter weather conditions, or at least look to see what nearby districts are doing.
What do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Share your thoughts, best weather pics/video, or just keep in touch via social media
- Facebook: Justin Berk, Meteorologist
- Twitter: @JustinWeather
- Instagram: justinweather
Get the award winning Kid Weather App I made with my oldest son and support our love for science, weather, technology. Our 2 year anniversary of the release is this November and it has been downloaded in 55 countries. With your support we can expand on the fun introduction to science and real weather:
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]