The DC Department of Health promotes health, wellness and equality across DC and protects the safety of residents, visitors and those doing business here.
DC is under a Heat Alert until tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7 at 8:00AM. Temperatures will feel like 95°F or hotter.
You can beat the heat by:
✅Staying in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
✅Taking frequent breaks while working outside.
✅Drinking water and staying hydrated
Visit heat.dc.gov for more information.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the District until 1:00 AM tomorrow, July 6. Heavy rain and high winds are possible.
Take time to prepare.
Visit ready.dc.gov for more
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the District until 7:00 PM today, July 4, with heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 MPH.
Go inside a sturdy building or shelter. Pull over and park in a safe place if driving.
Get weather updates: alert.dc.gov.
DC is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, be safe and look out for your neighbors.
If you’re concerned about a neighbor experiencing homelessness, or if you need to access free transportation to a shelter or day center, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311.
Get ready for when DC’s air quality may drop.
Before heading out, check conditions, take it easy outdoors, and keep indoor air sealed and circulating.
Stay ready: s.dc.gov/AirQualityHealth
Whether you're at home, at work, outdoors, or celebrating with family & friends, protect yourself by drinking plenty of water, taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wearing lightweight clothing.
Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay safe.
Fireworks are fun for humans... but can be terrifying for your furry sidekicks.
Before fireworks start, make sure your pets are safe and secure. Peep our tips and save yourself (and your pet) the panic.
[AlertDC] America’s Independence Day Parade in downtown DC (July 4, 10:30AM) has been CANCELED by organizers due to Extreme Heat Warning. Heat index 110-115F. Get heat safety info: Heat.DC.govmanager.everbridge.net/pub/2…
With triple-digit temperatures, head to @dcdpr pool, spray park, or rec center to cool down in this heatwave!💦🏊🏾♀️
Visit heat.dc.gov to find a location near you to stay cool!
ALT An outdoor swimming pool filled with people of all ages enjoying the water, playing with colorful beach balls and inflatable rings under a sunny sky surrounded by lush green trees and tents along the poolside.
ALT DC Department of Parks and Recreation on July 3 and 4, 2026, with 10 recreation centers open from 9 AM to 5 PM, including Turkey Thicket, Emery Heights, King-Greenleaf, and others, all outdoor pools open 10 AM to 6 PM, spray parks open 10 AM to 6 PM, and indoor pools available at select centers.
ALT Children and adults enjoying a sunny day at a colorful splash pad featuring a blue and white striped lighthouse fountain, water arches, and playground structures surrounded by trees and a clear sky.
ALT Children playing and running through vertical water jets in an outdoor splash pad area with large rocks scattered on the wet concrete surface under a sunny sky.
Remember, car heat-related deaths are entirely preventable. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. The inside of a car can reach deadly temperatures within minutes. Visit heat.dc.gov for more tips!
Holiday Office Closure Notice
In observance of the July 4th holiday, DC Health offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 6.
We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy Independence Day!
DC is under an Extreme Heat Alert until Sunday, July 5 at 8:00 AM. Limit time outside, drink lots of water. Look for signs of heat stroke & heat exhaustion, like dizziness and nausea. Call 9-1-1 if you or a neighbor need help. Visit heat.dc.gov for more information.
Keep your pets safe in this heat. Keep them indoors when possible, provide shade and water outside, and never leave pets in a hot car. Avoid hot pavement, watch for signs of heat stroke, and exercise pets during the coolest parts of the day. Learn more at heat.dc.gov.
Fireworks are fun for humans... but can be terrifying for your furry sidekicks.
Before fireworks start, make sure your pets are safe and secure. Peep our tips and save yourself (and your pet) the panic.
DC is under an Extreme Heat Alert until Sunday, July 5 at 8:00 AM. Temperatures will feel like 105°F or hotter.
Limit time outside if possible. Drink lots of water and look out for signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, like dizziness and nausea. Check on neighbors and pets.
Call 9-1-1 if you or a neighbor need help.
Visit heat.dc.gov for more information.
Summer heat and humidity isn't just a health risk to people - extreme heat can also be dangerous for pets.
Use these tips to keep your furry family members cool all summer long.
Learn more at ready.dc.gov.
Fireworks are fun for humans... but can be terrifying for your furry sidekicks.
Before fireworks start, make sure your pets are safe and secure. Peep our tips and save yourself (and your pet) the panic.
Tick season is here! Protect your pets by using tick prevention, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, and keeping your yard maintained. Ticks can spread diseases to pets and people. Learn more from your veterinarian.