Extreme heat across Northeast Ohio forced numerous schools to close buildings or change schedules Wednesday as high temperatures and humidity created difficult conditions inside facilities without adequate air conditioning.
A Heat Advisory covered Northeast Ohio as temperatures climbed and the heat index reached potentially dangerous levels. School districts evaluated individual buildings based on cooling systems, classroom conditions and expected afternoon temperatures.
Garfield Heights City Schools announced that Garfield Heights Middle School would be closed September 2 because of extreme heat and a lack of air conditioning. The district said its other school buildings would remain open.
Avon Lake City Schools also closed several buildings because of excessive temperatures and the projected heat index. Eastview, Redwood and Westview elementary schools and Learwood Middle School were closed to students and staff. Troy Intermediate School and Avon Lake High School remained open.
WKYC reported that dozens of schools across Northeast Ohio were affected by heat-related closings as the region dealt with unusually intense early-September conditions.
The National Weather Service Heat Advisory included Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities. High humidity made outdoor temperatures feel hotter and increased concerns for students, staff, athletes and people working outdoors.
District decisions varied because school buildings across the region have different heating and cooling systems. Some newer or renovated facilities can maintain normal classroom temperatures during periods of extreme heat, while older buildings without full air conditioning can become uncomfortable or unsafe.
Schools that remained open continued to monitor conditions and adjust activities where necessary. Outdoor practices, recess periods and other activities were also subject to changes based on local conditions.
The closures came during the opening weeks of the 2026-27 school year, when many Northeast Ohio students had only recently returned to classrooms after summer break.
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