In accordance with the District of Columbia’s Cold Plan, the Cold Weather Emergency Alert will be activated for Friday, February 19, 2021, until further notice. The District activates the Cold Weather Emergency Alert when the temperature and wind chill drop to 15° F or when the temperature, with wind chill, is 20° F and there is an accompanying meteorological event such as rain or snow. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports the current temperature is 39 degrees but will feel like 31 degrees due to wind chill and/or rain. Tonight, temperatures will be 23 degrees with wind chill values as low as 15 degrees. These temperatures significantly increase your risk for hypothermia and frostbite. As temperatures fall, we ask that you take the following actions for yourself and your DC neighbors: * Stay inside if you can and cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside. * Check on your neighbors and learn the signs of hypothermia - young children, the elderly, and those with access and functional needs are the most vulnerable in our community. * To request shelter transport for DC residents who are experiencing homelessness and being outside, please call 311 or the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093. * For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730. For additional winter weather information and preparedness tips, visit https://ready.dc.gov/winterwx.
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