DC Health

Thunderstorms are forecasted to affect the District this afternoon (July 18). Some thunderstorms may become severe with damaging wind gusts. Large hail, tornado, and flash flooding are possible. Plan for storms before they arrive: - Get free local weather alerts at alert.dc.gov - Know where you'll shelter - Charge essential devices - Secure loose balcony/patio items - Gather supplies like medical devices, flashlights, and a radio Learn more weather preparedness tips: ready.dc.gov

🔴 A Code Red Air Quality Alert is issued for DC today, July 18, due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Conditions are expected to improve to a Code Orange later this afternoon. Outdoor air quality is currently unhealthy for at-risk groups including seniors, children, pregnant people, and people with heart and lung conditions. The general public may experience health issues. 🛋️ Limit time outside. ☎️ Check on neighbors and loved ones. 📚 Visit libraries and community centers for free, fun indoor space. 🖥️ Follow guidance from DC health. Learn more: airnow.gov/dc.

Unhealthy air can impact anyone. Pay attention to how you feel, reduce outdoor activity when air quality is poor, and protect those most at risk. Learn more: s.dc.gov/AirQualityHeal…

Things to know about air quality in DC (7/17): 1. We’re currently in Code Purple. 2. We're advising sensitive groups to stay indoors as much as possible and all other groups to limit both time outside and to avoid heavy exertion activities. If you must go outside, wear a mask. 3. All DC Gov outdoor activities cancelled; outdoor pools and spray parks are closed.

Air quality in Washington, DC is unsafe right now, especially for sensitive groups. Groups at highest risk include: • Older adults (over age 65) • Children • Pregnant people • Those who have heart disease, asthma, or other chronic lung disease

Code Purple Air Quality Alert. When air quality is unhealthy, DC Health encourages everyone—especially children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions—to take steps to stay safe: dchealth.dc.gov/air-quality-an…

Today’s air quality is Code Purple, which means air pollution is unhealthy for the general public, and especially sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with heart or lung disease. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. The advisory is partially due to incoming wildfire smoke combined with the area’s ozone levels. Visit airnow.gov to stay up to date on air quality changes.

Health problems brought on by dangerous air quality levels are not just limited to humans. Check outdoor air quality alerts before taking your pet outside and take precautions. Visit airnow.gov

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires will continue today. Air quality is expected to worsen, with very unhealthy conditions. Stay indoors if you can. Please check on your neighbors, especially seniors and anyone with underlying health conditions. Visit airnow.gov

[AlertDC] Code Purple Air Quality for DC on Friday, 7/17. Outdoor air quality is unhealthy. Risk of health issues is increased for all people. LIMIT time outside.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite that can contaminate fresh produce. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Visit: dchealth.dc.gov/sites/default/…

Join us for a Clearing the Air session on how residents can report air quality violations, supporting DOEE enforcement efforts. 🗓️Thursday, July 23 ⏰5:30 PM - 6:30 PM EDT 📍Virtual meeting Register to learn more: eventbrite.com/e/clearing-the…

Curious about rats, rodent control, or how DC Health works to reduce rodent activity across the District? Whether it's prevention tips, reporting issues, or understanding rodent behavior, our expert is here to help. Ask your questions using this link: bit.ly/4f6gzpo

Health problems brought on by dangerous air quality levels are not just limited to humans. Check outdoor air quality alerts before taking your pet outside and take precautions. Visit airnow.gov

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires will continue today. Air quality is expected to worsen, with very unhealthy conditions. Stay indoors if you can. Please check on your neighbors, especially seniors and anyone with underlying health conditions. Visit airnow.gov

DC is under a Heat Alert until Friday, July 17 at 8:00 AM. 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 plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Visit heat.dc.gov for more information, including free places to keep cool.

Higher temperatures and humidity mean it is hotter than usual at night. This can strain your body during prolonged heatwaves. Follow these tips to help keep cool at night - and visit heat.dc.gov for more heat safety information. #dcwx #heatwave

DC is under an Extreme Heat Alert until Thursday, July 16 at 8:00 AM. Daytime temperatures will feel like 105°F or hotter. Overnight temperatures may feel like 80°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, including free places to keep cool.

Remember: Stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and check on seniors, neighbors, and pets. Visit heat.dc.gov for more tips!

In 2025, DC Health identified and treated more than 25,000 rodent burrows across the District. This proactive work helps reduce rodent activity and protect the health of our communities. You can help by reporting rat activity to 311.