06/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/18/2025 18:28
(Washington, DC) - Due to high temperatures and humidity levels, Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated a Heat Alert for Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth). To help residents stay safe and cool, spray parks across the District and select recreation centers will be open on Thursday for the Juneteenth holiday.
The National Weather Service is forecasting air temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s over the next two days. When combined with high humidity levels, the heat index may exceed 95 degrees at times. Overnight temperatures will drop to the 70s.
When the heat index forecast reaches 95 degrees or higher, the District issues a Heat Alert and opens cooling centers where community members can seek relief from the heat. If the heat index forecast exceeds 105 degrees, the District will issue an Extreme Heat Alert and may implement additional resources as needed to support public health and wellness. Learn more about updates to the District's Heat Plan here.
The Bowser Administration urges residents to take precautions during the Heat Alert. That includes staying indoors when possible, remaining hydrated, and checking on seniors and other vulnerable neighbors, and to call the shelter hotline for unsheltered residents in need of free, accessible transportation to a cooling center. To request accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311.
Residents are encouraged to visit heat.dc.gov to find information about the District's heat emergency plan, locate cooling centers, and access important safety tips and available services. To stay informed about heat alerts and other emergency notifications, residents can sign up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov.
Low-Barrier Shelters and Day Centers
Low-barrier shelters and day centers for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round, provide an air-conditioned and safe place to stay, and offer additional support services and case management. Follow this link for more information.
Individuals and families seeking accessible transportation to homeless services should call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093, between the hours of 8 am to 12 am, or the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at 311 at any time of the day or night.
Access to Emergency Shelter
All low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round. The following low-barrier shelters are open 24 hours.
The Downtown Day Services Center (The Center), located at 1313 New York Avenue NW, provides walk-in services to individuals experiencing homelessness with no appointment required. The Center will be open on Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19 from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will be provided with a wristband that must be worn while in the Center.
Zoe's Doors Youth Drop-In Center for residents experiencing homelessness, located at 900 Rhode Island Avenue NE, offers a safe place for youth and will be open 24 hours on Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19 for walk-in and full services. Appointments are recommended.
Cooling Centers
Cooling centers are locations across the District where individuals can go to gain respite from the heat. In addition to providing an air-conditioned place to cool off, some cooling centers provide additional services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Facilities serving as cooling centers include low-barrier shelters, day centers, public libraries, community centers and recreation centers, and youth services centers.
While some public facilities will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday, other Cooling Centers will be open including low-barrier shelters, the Downtown Day Services Center, and the following recreation centers from 10 am to 5 pm:
Facility Name | Address | Ward |
Columbia Heights Community Center | 1480 Girard Street NW | Ward 1 |
Takoma Community Center | 300 Van Buren Street NW | Ward 4 |
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center | 1100 Michigan Avenue NE | Ward 5 |
Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center | 1299 Neal Street NE | Ward 5 |
King Greenleaf Recreation Center | 201 N Street SW | Ward 6 |
Benning Stoddert Recreation Center | 100 Stoddert Place SE | Ward 7 |
Barry Farm Recreation Center | 1230 Sumner Road SE | Ward 8 |
Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center | 700 Yuma Street S | Ward 8 |
Pools and Spray Parks
When it's hot out, one of the best ways to cool down quickly is to go swimming or splash around in cold water. The District offers free access to indoor pools, outdoor pools, and spray parks for DC residents, operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).
Heat Safety Precautions
Keep yourself and your family safe from the heat during the summer months by taking the following actions:
Get Help with Utilities
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) provides financial assistance, discounts, and energy efficiency programs to help you with utility bills. Visit the Utility Affordability Programs website or call (202) 236-2657 to learn more.
Know Fire Hydrant Laws
Unauthorized use of fire hydrants is unlawful, dangerous and damaging. To report a fire hydrant that has been tampered with, please call 311.
Volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team
Serve DC offers the chance to volunteer with DC's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which will allow you to learn more about emergency preparedness and help your fellow community members during a hazard event. Visit the Serve DC CERT page to learn more.
Senior Wellness Centers
For the most up-to-date information about DACL Senior Wellness Centers, visit dacl.dc.gov/service/senior-wellness-centers. For more information about Senior Centers, seniors are advised to call the District Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) at (202) 724-5626 during regular business hours, or the District's Call Center at 311 after hours. All DACL Senior Wellness Centers will be closed for Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, and will reopen on Friday, June 20, for regular daily operations.
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