In case you’ve living under an air conditioned rock, you’re sure to have noticed that it’s really really hot outside. Sizzling, scorching, burning, baking, blazing, blistering, flaming, humid, on fire, ovenlike, roasting, scalding, scorching, searing, sizzling, sultry, oppressive, tropic…yep, there are a lot of ways to say it but at the end of the day, it’s just really %$*# hot.
It’s so hot, in fact, a new record high was set today. According to WJLA, “There is a new record high for today at BWI Thurgood Marshall of 106 degrees, breaking the old record of 101 degrees set in 1999. This marks only the 2nd time the sensor has ever measured 106 or above since 1871.” Okay, so we didn’t break a record in DC, but I think I’m okay with that.
So, a few quick reminders and notices. DC public pools are are opening two hours earlier and staying open one hour later (11 am – 9 pm), and select libraries (including the Southeast Branch on 7th Street) will stay open until 9 pm today and tomorrow. Locations and hours can be found on DC.gov. And for the safety of the city’s trash collectors, they will be collecting trash an hour earlier so they can get out of the oppressive heat a bit sooner.
If you, or someone you know is without air conditioning in this heat, please go to one of the city’s cooling centers. Please check in on your neighbors and offer assistance if needed — those at greatest risk for heat-related illnesses include infants, children up to four years old, people 65 years old and over, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.
If you must spend time outside the next few days, take it slow, stay hydrated, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Pay attention to how you are feeling and respond to your body’s signs that the heat and poor air quality can take a toll. Learn more about signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses on the CDC’s website.