Cooling Centers Remain Open As DC Extends Heat Emergency

WASHINGTON, DC — With the heat index forecast to hover around 100 degrees over the next few days, the District of Columbia has extended its Heat Emergency through Saturday.

The city’s Department of Human Services and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency have activated cooling centers for residents to seek relief.

The city is also urging residents to take extra steps to beat the heat by staying in the shade or air-conditioning, drinking plenty of water and visiting a cooling center. Periods of high heat and humidity can cause medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke.

According to the National Weather Forecast for D.C., temperatures are expected to hit 94, with a heat index of 101. Thursday’s forecast calls for heat and humidity, with a high of 94, followed by a high of 96 on Friday.

The city provides an interactive map for finding a cooling center. Residents can type in an address to identify cooling center locations closest to them and hours of location. For more information on where to go, call 311 or text 311 to 32311.

For transportation to a shelter, residents can call 311 or the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093.

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