Visitors at the Minnesota State Fair sought relief from the scorching temperatures on Monday by gathering under misters, while some schools in the Midwest dismissed classes early or canceled sports practices. The National Weather Service reported that highs reaching close to 100 degrees combined with high humidity, making it feel like 105 to 115 degrees across the heartland of the country. Heat warnings or advisories were issued for several states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and others.
Cities like Des Moines, Iowa, opened cooling centers, with free bus rides available for people to reach these locations. Health experts advised individuals to drink plenty of water if they were heading outdoors. Emergency medicine physician, Dr. Haley Taormina, treated fair-goers in Minnesota for heat-related illnesses, such as swollen fingers due to the heat and salty fair food.
In Detroit, public schools released students 3 hours early on Monday and Tuesday due to the extreme temperatures. The decision for an early release on Wednesday was yet to be announced. Around 30% of the schools in the district have air conditioning, according to a spokesperson. The district is working on a 20-year facility plan to ensure most schools have new HVAC systems and air conditioning within five years.
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the start of the school year as temperatures surged into the mid-90s. Students were advised to have indoor recess and physical education classes due to the heat. The district also canceled outdoor sports events scheduled for the beginning of the week. More than 250 cooling centers were opened in Chicago for residents to seek relief from the heat.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, the Gary Community Schools district canceled middle school athletic events and instructed high school teams to practice indoors to avoid the heat. The National Weather Service predicted the heat would shift towards the South and East by midweek, providing a bit of relief from the sweltering conditions.
