Temperatures are at an all-time high in the city of Chicago. This wave of immense heat has forced CPS to move activities, like recess, inside schools.
Offices of CPS made sure to let the parents know about the sudden change via email. Outdoor sports practices like baseball and the upcoming football season are either being postponed or canceled.
Chicago, the ‘Heating’ City
Heat levels began increasing Sunday and continued through Today and Friday. To the point that the National Weather Service put out an extreme heat warning if the heat exceeds 105-110 degrees.
Unfortunately, the weather Chicagoans are facing is inevitable. For years, scientists and climate activists warned companies who thrived off fossil fuels about climate change. The blatant disregard for the effects of burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and poor agricultural practices, are the cause of the weather faced in the last few weeks.
But this is not just a Chicago situation. All over the world, wildfire smoke, floods, and drought have plagued citizens because of the record heat in June and July.
It is so bad that the amount of heat-related deaths is incalculable as of today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CPS Solutions for Teachers and Families
CPS fortunately has taken precautions about the heat wave as the wave is happening at the same time school starts. Officials are working to ensure air conditioning is running smoothly for all classrooms. Drawing shades, turning off lights, and keeping the computer off were also alternatives to keep classrooms cool.
Students are encouraged to bring personal water bottles and staff provide multiple opportunities for students to refill bottles.
For students and families coming home, cooling centers are expanding from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Other centers will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the opening of additional cooling centers is planned.
Written By Daylontie Jasper
Sources:
Block Club Chicago: CPS Cancels Outdoor Sports, Moves Recess Indoor During Heat Wave
Fox News: City urges residents to stay cool and safe as heatwave sweeps Chicago— what to know
The Weather Channel: Monthly Weather Report Chicago
Featured Image Courtesy of Melinda Young Stewart Flickr’s page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Pete Flickr page – Creative Commons License
