Sad, if not entirely unexpected news: the first D.C. fatality due to the recent heat wave has been confirmed. more ›

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there are a total of 132 million people suffering through some kind of heat-related advisory or warning right now. (Including a "Fire Weather Watch" in Alaska, which sounds terrifying.) But just so we're clear, we're suffering the most. more ›

The incredibly hot weather is obviously not helping when it comes to fires in the city: in addition to two fires that broke out inside apartment buildings at the Watergate and along 16th Street NW last night, D.C. firefighters responded two more large blazes this morning. more ›

No, not like that -- literally hot. more ›

The latest Washingtonian adventure in animal rights protests by PETA -- which, over the last several months, have included showing "baby elephants [being] gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks" at the Verizon Center, giving away a vasectomy and blasting farts along Pennsylvania Avenue -- will hit D.C. today. And frankly, it seems more cruel to the people conducting it than anything else. more ›

With the temperature rising around the District this week, surely some may be tempted to go old school and crack open one of the city's fire hydrants in search of some refreshment. But the city is getting an early start on reminding residents that they would really prefer it if you let the hydrants be. This morning, we got the usual reminder from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water that resident residents who tamper with the city's hydrants are potentially to blame when firefighters are unable to find a working water supply. more ›

For you weather geeks out there: the high temperature so far today at Reagan National Airport has maxed out at 74 degrees. According to a tweet from ABC7 meteorologist Doug Hill, that means today is the mildest day recorded at that weather station since May 23. That's 94 days, or more than 25 percent of this year that we've spent under the balmy whip of much less pleasant temperatures. Don't worry, though, normal order will quickly be restored -- the next few days will find the temperature bouncing solidly back into the 80s, day in, day out. more ›

A beautiful thought: that thrilling, icy chill that you get after leaping into a pool on the hottest of summer days. Let's just hold on that for a few minutes. Ahhh. more ›

We're not the only ones suffering from the record heat -- many trees, including those that have been recently planted around the city, are suffering from a lack of water. For advice, DCist turned to Casey Trees, which is our go-to source for all things arbor. According to Casey, trees need about 25 gallons of water a week to live healthy, oxygen-creating lives. Casey recommends applying water slowly, so that the roots of the tree can absorb it. Even with thunderstorms scheduled to roll into the area over the next few days, the heat wave has dried up the soil and your favorite shade-providers still could use a drink. Living in an apartment building and hose-less? Check with your building's maintenance staff to see if they wouldn't mind sparing a little water for your leafy neighbors. After all, without trees, it'd be even hotter around here. more ›

I'd be shocked if I had to remind any of you who are reading this right now to not open fire hyrdants when it gets hotter than blazes outside. But, yeah, don't open fire hydrants. Instead, if you or someone you're with starts to overheat, the District has cooling centers where you can go and enjoy air conditioning, a nice drink of water and just take a break from the intensity of the sun baring down on you like we've jumped past Venus in the pecking order. Here's where you can take a chill pill in D.C.: more ›

The University of the District of Columbia canceled all classes and campus activities today due to heat conditions, spokesperson Alan Etter confirmed this afternoon. The campus closed at noon today, but will reopen tomorrow on its regular schedule, according to a message posted on the school's web site. more ›

Some welcome relief from the heat comes from D.C.'s Department of Parks and Recreation, which announced many city pools and spray parks are extending their hours through Wednesday night. Thirteen outdoor pools are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the next three evenings, and other facilities are open later as well. Check the full list extended hours for the DPR facility nearest you. more ›

The D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency has issued a Heat Alert for today, while the National Weather Service prefers to call its recommendation a Heat Advisory. Whatever you call it, it's hot as balls out there, and it's only going to get hotter — highs are expected to reach 100° at some point today, with the heat index making it feel like 105°. more ›

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 5 p.m. this evening. Some of the intense storm activity that could pop up midday today includes hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter, wind gusts up to 70 mph, and lightning. Capital Weather Gang finds the silver lining: "... the cold front causing the storm threat should clear out all this muggy air. We'll feel much more comfortable for the weekend, before shower chances return early next week." Works for us.
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It's a really slow day for local news, so allow me to indulge in a little PoP-style observation and question session. I'm not often downtown during the day, but on the occasion I have a meeting in the middle of the day, I usually install myself someplace nearby with free wireless internet to get back to work as quickly as possible. Today, I picked the Cosi at 14th and H Streets NW. They have salads, wifi, and a spacious upstairs section in which it's easy to find a seat. more ›

The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority sent around word this morning that too many people, especially in Southeast, have been opening up fire hydrants during the heat wave over the past few days, and water pressure in some areas is now very low as a result. The agency says they'd really, really like it if you would stop opening up those hydrants and playing in the resulting spraying water.

The public is reminded that unauthorized use of hydrants is illegal. Such activity will cause low water pressure and service problems for customers and can damage the underground water infrastructure. Loss of adequate water pressure can have a negative impact on fire fighting when firefighters are unable to get enough water to suppress fires. Opening hydrants also poses a safety issue for young children who could easily be hurt from the high water pressure. more ›

Looking for a way to beat the heat this evening or tomorrow? The District Department of Parks and Recreation has opened up ten outdoor swimming pools and four spray parks from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. both today and Tuesday. more ›

It's hot, and it's going to get much, much hotter over the weekend. Hot enough that the District Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency opened its cooling centers for the first time this year today, from noon until 6 p.m. more ›

Good morning, Washington, and welcome to a world with a new home run record. That's right: Barry Bonds hit his 756th career homer last night against our very own Washington Nationals. We're sure there are some mixed feelings among the Nats today about being immortalized in a video clip that'll likely be replayed for decades to come. Four Shot During National Night Out: Last night was the National Night Out, a crime-prevention event where citizens... more ›

We love the high contrast black and white and near vanishing point in this shot by Flickr user akkleis. This pergola shades a walk in the ten acres of gardens at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, which also houses a museum with rare book, music, and art collections. The museum itself is closed for renovations until 2008, but the gardens are open for an $8 admission fee. EXIF. more ›

For those of you who love the Warehouse Arts Complex as much as we do, some bittersweet news just came in from owners Paul and Molly Ruppert. As you've already heard, Warehouse will close its cafe and music venue at the end of this month, thanks to skyrocketing property tax bills. Not that we had any doubts, but we're pleased to learn that the Rupperts are organizing a closing night gathering to say goodbye to... more ›

FRIDAY: >> Palace of Wonders is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a literal circus of performers both tonight and Saturday. Acrobats, burlesque performers, magicians, freaks and rope trick artists are just some of the acts that will take the stage, and fortune tellers will be on hand near the bar. Tickets are $15 in advance (click here), and $20 at the door. 7 p.m. to midnight tonight, 7 to 2 a.m. on Saturday. We recommend... more ›

We told you about the sad news earlier this week that Warehouse will be shuttering its music venue, as well as the bar and cafe, come July 30, when the entire place will close for a month for vacation. Now the Warehouse has let us know it is looking for potential investors and advisers who can help draft not-for-profit status paperwork -- depending on which route they end up taking. If you can help them... more ›

What was once an entertaining season for the Washington Wizards has quickly gone down the proverbial drain so fast most people are afraid to ask "What's next?" In the last 12 days, the team has lost Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas for the season, lost the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, lost the Southeast Division crown to the Miami Heat and also lost six in a row, with four of those... more ›

The recitals sponsored by the Vocal Arts Society are usually very well attended. Their latest concert, by Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey, did not have the same draw as some of their other events, but those who made it to the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater on Monday evening were rewarded with some excellent singing. In 2005, Kelsey represented the United States at the BBC Singer of the World competition, and he has been appearing at Lyric Opera of Chicago as a member of that company's young artists program for the past three years. His voice is a superb instrument, with some maturing to do but of exceptional promise, combining a full sound, a broad and well-balanced range, and impressive breath support. more ›

The Washington Wizards found out last Friday that they'd be without Caron Butler for the next 10 or so days, not exactly the type of thing you want to hear with the Miami Heat breathing down their necks for the division lead. As we're sure you all remember, the team was 0-3 without Butler earlier in the season. Lucky for the Wizards then that the struggling New Orleans / Oklahoma City Hornets (aka the... more ›

The Miami Heat took control of a close game last night by repeatedly feeding Shaquille O'Neal in the post and The Diesel responded by scoring 10 of his season high 23 in the fourth quarter, leading the visiting Miami Heat past a depleted Washington Wizards team, 92-83. With Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison out with injuries, the Heat ran multiple defenders at Gilbert Arenas all night, holding him to 15 points on 3-15 shooting.... more ›