BOSTON (WHDH) - Public schools in Boston and Worcester were among several districts around Massachusetts announcing closures for Friday due to forecasted extreme cold temperatures.
Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper announced the closure in Boston Thursday afternoon.
“With extreme weather conditions and many of our students commuting to and from school, walking, and waiting for public transportation outdoors, we have made the decision to close for the day,” she said.
Skipper cited an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite during the cold.
Skipper acknowledged the impact school closures have on families and encouraged those in need to take advantage of planned warming centers at Boston Centers for Youth and Families facilities around the city.
“We make these decisions with the best interests of our students top of mind and we want to ensure they are safe in these weather conditions,” Skipper said.
Temperatures are expected to drop to dangerous levels on Friday and Saturday. Wind is forecast to combine with the cold to plunge wind chill values below -20 degrees in many places.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning for much of New England to remain in effect from 10 a.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu already declared a cold emergency on Wednesday ahead of upcoming cold weather.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)