Branford joined several school districts across the state today in deciding to close early due to severe hot weather.

Neighboring North Branford public schools remained in session for a full day.

This morning, Branford Public School parents received this message (also posted at http://www.branford.k12.ct.us) from Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez: "Branford Public Schools will close early today due to the extremely high temperatures. The District will follow a minimum day schedule. No afternoon Pre-K, and a.m. Pre-K will dismiss at the regularly scheduled time. Please monitor the website for further updates."

Pre - K was dismissed at the regular time, 11:25 a.m. Branford High School dismissed at 12:06 p.m., Walsh Intermediate School at 12:40 p.m. and elementary schools at 1:25 p.m.

Today's temperatures were expected to be the hottest among the heat that is expected to last into the rest of this week.