Legend has it that in earlier times, foreign diplomats posted to the capital of the United States received hardship pay for enduring Washington's hot, humid, muggy summers. In those days, all activity in the nation's capital ceased during the month of August, and people escaped to the surrounding countryside. Washington's summer weather hasn't changed since those early days. However, the city's response to summer weather has changed significantly.
The government of the District of Columbia implements a heat emergency plan when the heat index reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat index is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the effects of humidity are added to high temperature. The city's heat plan was developed by the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with other city and private agencies.
Key components of the city's heat plan include:
More information on health facts and beating the heat:
