Summer is supposed to be fun in the sun, but it’s tough when the smoke won’t go away. Here’s what’s closing/modifying around the region.

Outdoor activities at D.C. Public Schools have been canceled Thursday, and the National Zoo will be closed.

It hasn’t exactly been hot for the last few days, but the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission wants to remind you that the dog days of summer will soon be upon us, and with them, a number of Code Red air quality days that will prompt the agency to provide free rides on Northern Virginia bus routes. So on Wednesday, April 30, all bus routes in Northern Virginia, including Metrobus, Arlington Transit, Fairfax Connector, Loudoun County…

So it’s hot out, if you haven’t noticed. And somehow, when it is hot out, life’s little inconveniences are that much worse. Like getting off the Metro, turning the corner out of the faregate, and finding an escalator that is not moving. And that is exactly what will happen today at several area Metro stations, undergoing scheduled escalator renovations. Though Metro might not be able to get the escalators up and running today, they are…

Happy Wednesday, Washington. Sadly, there’s even more crime to report this morning, and yes, you guessed it, more rain — though after the record high temperatures we’ve experienced earlier this week, we dare say we wouldn’t mind some more of those scattered thunderstorms predicted for the metro area — the high will 88° today, with a 40% chance of strong showers hitting this afternoon. Cooler temperatures will be a welcome relief after yesterday’s first Code…