07/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2026 16:20
(Washington, DC) - On Friday, July 3, District Government will observe the Independence Day holiday. While some services will be affected on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, many District employees will continue serving to maintain essential District operations and to protect residents and visitors during the Extreme Heat Alert.
Prepare for Extreme Heat
The Bowser Administration is urging residents and visitors to prepare for a heatwave expected to bring triple-digit temperatures to the District beginning today, Wednesday, July 1 and continuing through the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Due to the anticipated high temperatures and humidity levels, Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated an Extreme Heat Alert for Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5, with the possibility of an extension or revision dependent on the forecast. With outdoor gatherings planned across the region over the holiday weekend, residents and visitors should prepare for prolonged heat exposure, drink lots of water-even before feeling thirsty, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces or the shade and sign up for free weather updates at alert.dc.gov.
The National Weather Service is forecasting daily high temperatures that could exceed 100 degrees at times. When combined with high humidity levels, the heat index is expected to exceed 105 degrees for the next four days, reaching as high as 109 degrees at times. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain above 75 degrees, above the average for this time of year.
When the heat index exceeds 105°F, the District issues an Extreme Heat Alert and deploys additional resources to protect public health. High heat and humidity can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers and anyone spending extended time outside. Anyone spending extended time outdoors, including at holiday events, should take the heat seriously regardless of how they feel in the moment. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially between 11 am and 4 pm.
Residents are also encouraged to check on family members, neighbors and friends who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat, including older adults, young children, people with disabilities and individuals with chronic medical conditions or other access and functional needs. If you are concerned about neighbors experiencing homelessness, or to request free, accessible transportation to a low-barrier shelter or day center, call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311.
What's Open on Friday, July 3
Cooling Centers
To help residents and visitors stay safe in extreme heat, the District operates free cooling centers across the city. These air-conditioned facilities are located at sites such as community centers and provide a safe space to spend time away from the heat. For hours and locations, visit heat.dc.gov.
Pools, Spray Parks and Recreation Centers
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) outdoor pools, spray parks, playgrounds, parks, athletic courts and fields will be open. Outdoor pools and spray parks operate 10 am to 6 pm on July 3 and 4.
Additionally, on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, the following recreation centers-and three indoor pools-will open as cooling centers, operating from 9 am to 5 pm:
Emergency Shelter
All low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round. The following low-barrier shelters are open 24 hours a day (except where noted):
In addition, all low-barrier shelters will serve as cooling centers for anyone needing relief from the weather, regardless of whether they have an assigned bed. Shelter lobbies are available as needed throughout the heat emergency.
The following sites are also open from 7 pm until 7 am beginning Wednesday, July 1 through the morning of Monday, July 6:
Day Center Extended Hours
The following Day Centers will be open daily from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, from 9 am to 5 pm:
The Downtown Day Services Center at 1313 New York Avenue NW will be open on Friday, July 3, from 9 am to 8 pm and Saturday, July 4, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Zoe's Doors Youth Drop-In Center for residents experiencing homelessness, located at 900 Rhode Island Avenue NE, offers a safe place for youth 24 hours a day and will be open on Friday, July 3.
Department of Behavioral Health (DBH): Anyone feeling anxious or depressed or facing mental health or substance use disorders can call/text 988 anytime to talk with a trained, caring crisis counselor for free, confidential support. If you are concerned about a family member or friend, you can call and talk about ways to support them.
The following services also are open on Friday, July 3:
Modified Service Adjustments
The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will suspend household trash, recycling and food waste collection on Friday, July 3. Service will resume on Saturday, July 4.
Construction:
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will suspend construction and work zones for non-emergency work in roadways, alleys and sidewalks within the District's right of way. This includes manhole access and construction-related deliveries. Approved construction activities may resume Sunday, July 5 during permitted work hours.
Lane Restrictions:
DDOT will suspend reversible lane operations citywide on Friday, July 3 on the following:
The DC Department of Buildings (DOB) will not allow construction on Saturday, July 4 without an issued after-hours permit. Regular construction activity may resume on Monday, July 6. Construction activity that proceeds on the holiday without this required permit will result in a Stop Work Order. Illegal construction reports can be made using the Illegal Construction Inspection Request Form or after hours by calling 311. To learn more about authorized construction hours and how to apply for an after-hours permit, please view the After Hours Permit webpage. DOB offers many online services, tools and resources, enabling customers to conduct business 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Parking Enforcement:
All parking enforcement will be suspended on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, except for baseball and parade towing enforcement. Parking enforcement will resume on Monday, July 6.
What's Closed on Friday , July 3 and/or Saturday, July 4
DC Public Schools (DCPS) remains closed for Summer Break. Summer school programs will be closed on Friday, July 3 and will resume on Monday, July 6.
DC Public Library (DCPL) locations will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. Online services will be available at dclibrary.org.
DPR recreation centers, community centers, indoor aquatic centers and offices not listed above will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
The Department of Human Services Economic Security Administration Service Centers will be closed on Friday, July 3.
The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, the central intake office for all families in the District of Columbia seeking assistance with their housing needs, will be closed on Friday, July 3.
The DC Health & Wellness Center (77 P Street NE) will be closed on Friday, July 3.
DC Health's Vital Records Division will be closed on Friday, July 3.
DC Health's Licensing and Renewal Division will be closed Friday, July 3, with the exception of the online license applications system which will be available at doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals/s/portal-page.
All Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. Customers are encouraged to visit the DMV website at dmv.dc.gov for available services online or download the agency's free mobile app.
The Department of Employment Services Navigation Call Center and all American Job Centers will be closed on Friday, July 3. Residents are encouraged to file unemployment insurance claims online at does.dc.gov.
The Latin American Youth Center Youth Drop-In Center for District residents experiencing homelessness will be closed on Friday, July 3.
The SAMU First Response Youth Drop-In Center for District residents experiencing homelessness will be closed on Friday, July 3.
The Sasha Bruce Youth Drop-In Center for District residents experiencing homelessness will be closed on Friday, July 3.
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