Maryland weather: High temperatures prompt some Baltimore schools to close early due to lack of central AC

Tony Roberts, Howard County Times, Columbia, Md.
·2 min read
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Apr. 30—Thursday will continue a recent string of warm days in central Maryland, then temperatures will begin to drop as rain moves in for the weekend.

After highs of 90 degrees on Monday, 87 on Tuesday and 83 on Wednesday, Thursday is expected to top out at 93 under sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service. The Baltimore City Public School System is releasing students early Thursday from some schools because of the lack of central air conditioning during this unseasonably warm day.

The schools dismissing early are

— Baltimore City College is releasing at 11:30 a.m.

— Benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove is releasing at noon.

— City Springs Elementary/Middle School is releasing at 12:45 p.m.

— Curtis Bay Elementary/Middle School is releasing at 11:30 a.m.

— Furley Elementary School is releasing at 11:30 a.m.

— Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School is releasing at noon.

— National Academy Foundation is releasing at 12:45 p.m.

— Vanguard Collegiate Middle School is releasing at 11:45 a.m.

— Arlington Elementary School is releasing at noon.

— Gwynns Falls Elementary School is releasing at 1:15 p.m.

— Franklin Square Elementary Middle School is releasing at 11:45 a.m.

— Armistead Gardens Elementary Middle School is releasing elementary students only at 11:45 a.m., but middle school students who use the portable learning spaces on Armistead Gardens' campus will have a full day.

The school system has received criticism for dilapidated school buildings, but BCPSS CEO Sonja Santelises toted the decrease in schools without AC at a January hearing with City Council. She said in a year, all schools will have AC.

In 2018, 75 Baltimore schools lacked air conditioning.

Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 83.

There's a 20% chance of showers after 2 a.m. Saturday, then a 40% chance during the day, mainly after 8 a.m. The high should be around 74.

Saturday night brings a 80% chance of showers, followed by an 80% chance Sunday during the day, when the high should be near 74.

There's at least a 30% chance of showers Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs climbing to around 80, 83 and 88, respectively.