WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As feel-like temperatures are set to rise to the triple digits on Friday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser activated an extreme heat alert.
The alert will remain effective until 8 p.m. on June 12.
The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures will reach above 95 degrees. However, heat combined with high humidity levels may cause the heat index to spike above 105 degrees at times. Overnight temperatures will drop to 67 degrees.
When temperatures climb above 95 degrees, it can be harmful to people who have existing medical conditions and even lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Officials said spending extended periods of time outside or participating in outdoor activities can also lead to a heat-related illness or injury.
Anyone concerned about their neighbors or those experiencing homelessness
Ways to beat the heat
Cooling Centers
Multiple cooling centers are located across the District, where residents can cool down. In addition to providing an air-conditioned place to beat the heat, some centers provide additional services to those experiencing homelessness.
All low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round. The following low-barrier shelters are open 24 hours (except where noted):
- New York Avenue Men’s Shelter – 1355 New York Avenue NE
- 801 East Men’s Shelter – 2722 MLK Jr. Avenue SE
- Adams Place Men’s Shelter – 2210 Adams Place NE
- Emery Men’s Shelter – 1725 Lincoln Road NE
- Pat Handy Women’s Shelter – 810 5th Street NW
- Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter – 1910 Massachusetts Avenue SE
- St. Josephine Bakhita – 6010 Georgia Avenue NW (7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. only)
- Living Life Alternative LGBTQ+ Shelter – 400 50th Street SE
Day Centers
Day centers provide walk-in services to individuals experiencing homelessness with no appointment required. Entry to the following day centers is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Downtown Day Services Center – 1313 New York Avenue NW (Monday through Friday from 9-7 p.m.—extended hours during Extreme Heat Alert—and Saturday from 1-3 p.m.)
- Adams Place Day Center – 2210 Adams Place NE (Monday through Friday from 9-5 p.m.)
- 801 East Day Center – 2722 MLK Jr. Avenue SE (Monday through Friday from 9-5 p.m.)
Drop-in centers are also available for youth ages 18-24:
- Zoe’s Doors – 900 Rhode Island Avenue NE (open 24 hours)
- Latin American Youth Center – 3045 15th Street NW (Monday through Thursday and the 2nd Saturday and Sunday of each month from 9-7 p.m. Friday by appointment.)
- SAMU – 650 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (Monday through Friday and the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month from 9-7 p.m.)
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork – 741 8th Street SE (Monday through Friday from 9-5 p.m.)
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 water.
- Indoor pools are available across the city. Visit dpr.dc.gov/indoorpools for a full list of locations and hours.
- Outdoor pools are open 10-6 p.m. weekends only through June 21, and will be open six days a week starting Monday, June 22. For locations and schedules, visit dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools.
- Spray parks across the city are open 10-6 p.m. weekends only through June 21, and will be open daily starting Monday, June 22. Some spray parks may be offline for scheduled weekly maintenance.
To find the closest spray park, click here.
