PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A day of record-breaking heat was being followed Tuesday by another scorcher, with some schools planning to close or release students early and communities opening emergency cooling centers for residents.
The National Weather Service says temperatures in Providence soared to 97 degrees at 3:30 Monday afternoon, breaking a record for June 9 set in 1984. Pawtucket schools sent their students home early because of the heat.
Little relief was expected Tuesday.
Meteorologists say that temperatures could reach 96 degrees, although thunderstorms may cool off the region at night.
Cranston schools were closed Tuesday because of the heat, while districts in Pawtucket, Warwick, Johnston and a handful of other communities had scheduled early dismissals.
Elliot Krieger, a spokesman for the state Department of Education, said it was the first time in recent memory that Rhode Island schools had closed early because of heat.
The state has already declared an air quality alert for Tuesday because the hot and humid air is expected to produce unhealthy levels of ozone, a component of smog. Health officials are asking that people limit their driving and avoid strenuous activity. All public transit buses will be free.
"We are asking all Rhode Islanders to take this extreme weather seriously and pay attention to the tips so we can all survive the heat without incident," said J. David Smith, executive director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. "Look out for your family, friends and neighbors."
