WASHINGTON, D.C. — District government services will be modified Friday, July 3, as Washington observes the Independence Day holiday, while city officials also continue an Extreme Heat Alert that is expected to remain in effect through Sunday, July 5.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office said some government services will be affected on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, while essential operations continue during the heat emergency.
The mayor activated the Extreme Heat Alert for Wednesday, July 1, through Sunday, July 5, with the notice subject to revision depending on the forecast. The National Weather Service forecast cited by the city says daily high temperatures could exceed 100 degrees, with the heat index expected to top 105 degrees for the next four days and reach as high as 109 degrees at times. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain above 75 degrees.
Officials urged residents and visitors to drink water before they feel thirsty, take breaks in air-conditioned spaces or shade, avoid strenuous outdoor activity especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and check on vulnerable neighbors. The District also encouraged people to sign up for alerts at alert.dc.gov.
People seeking shelter or transportation to a low-barrier shelter or day center can call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311 for accessible transportation. Free cooling centers are available across the city, with hours and locations posted at heat.dc.gov.
The District said Department of Parks and Recreation outdoor pools and spray parks will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 3 and July 4. In addition, 10 recreation centers and three indoor pools will open as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Locations listed in the release include Turkey Thicket Recreation Center and Indoor Pool, Rosedale Community Center, Deanwood Community Center and Indoor Pool, Columbia Heights Community Center, Emery Heights Recreation Center, Raymond Recreation Center, Sherwood Recreation Center, King-Greenleaf Recreation Center, Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center and Indoor Pool, and Fort Stanton Recreation Center.
Several city services will pause or operate on modified schedules. The Department of Public Works will suspend household trash, recycling and food waste collection on Friday, July 3, with service resuming Saturday, July 4. The Fort Totten Transfer Station will be closed Friday but open Saturday, while the Benning Road Transfer Station remains closed for renovations.
The District Department of Transportation will suspend non-emergency right-of-way construction and work zones, with approved construction allowed to resume Sunday, July 5, during permitted hours. Reversible lane operations also will be suspended July 3 on 16th Street NW, Canal Road and Rock Creek Parkway.
Parking enforcement will be suspended July 3 and July 4, except for baseball and parade towing enforcement, and will resume Monday, July 6. District of Columbia Public Library locations and Department of Motor Vehicles locations will both be closed July 3 and July 4, though online services will remain available through dclibrary.org and DMV online and mobile platforms.
The Washington Herald
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Washington, D.C.
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