With temperatures going as high as 96 today, Philadelphia public schools and early childhood centers will dismiss at noon.
Camden city schools will let out at 1 p.m.
Both districts canceled after-school activities, including athletic programs.
The announcement by the Philadelphia district comes after officials and the School Reform Commission weighed a calendar change in the coming years to adjust to the high temperatures as summer approaches. Many of Philadelphia's aging school buildings lack air conditioning.
Temperatures on Monday climbed as high as 93 degrees and are expected to hit 96 degrees on Tuesday. A heat advisory is in effect throughout the Delaware Valley from noon to 7 p.m, Tuesday
Families are encouraged to monitor the district website for further details. Updated information will also be posted on the District's Information Hotline at 215-400-INFO (4636).
Here's a look at the forecast for the rest of the week:
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. Light west wind increasing to 6 to 11 mph in the morning. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. At night, a slight chance of showers before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Thursday: slight chance of showers after 9 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. At night, a chance of showers after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Friday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 75. At night, a chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 9 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.