Climate Ready DC: What does it mean to be Climate Ready?

Interested in learning more about the science behind climate resilience in the District of Columbia? Scroll down to learn more.

Welcome!

Each section below will explain extreme weather the District of Columbia is facing and how the District is preparing for these changes:

DC's Changing Climate 

Things are changing around here

Compared to weather patterns before the 2000's, the District has seen more rain, more flooding, more storms, and a lot more dangerously hot days in the last few years.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) are updating the District’s Climate Ready DC plan to prepare for these changing conditions.

This interactive story explains what these changes might look like, and a few things the District's residents can do to prepare. Projections show that the District is getting hotter, wetter, and sneezier; and the weather conditions are wilder.

Want to know the details? Read more in DOEE's Climate Projections and Scenario Development documents!

See the  Glossary  for more climate change terms and definitions.


Hotter

Is it hot in here? It's not just you; it's hot.

The District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) considers it “extreme heat” when the heat index gets above 95 degrees, and that has been happening pretty frequently these days, prompting the District to declare heat emergencies. Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body with temperature, wind, and humidity (some call it the "feels like" temperature). While hot weather may just seem annoying to some, the truth is it can be deadly.

Extreme heat is the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the United States.

In the early 2000’s, the District experienced around 20 of these heat emergency days each year. In 2022, there were 34 heat emergency days. By the 2030’s, the District is projected to experience around 45 heat emergency days each year. In addition to hot days, increases in nighttime temperatures may be particularly harmful to humans, because human bodies need to cool off at night after long, hot days. Besides people, extreme heat can also be harmful to things like the environment, economy, buildings, and our power grid.

Unfortunately, increasing temperatures are not going to end here. According to the scientists studying climate patterns, summer temps are expected to rise in the years to come, and heatwaves will be more frequent and last longer. It’s time to get ready for many more hot days.

These changes mean it is extremely important for the District to stay cool. Last year, the District planted over 11,000 trees, which cool down neighborhoods by creating shady areas and releasing water into the air through a process called evapotranspiration.

According to the US Forest Service, a young healthy tree has the same cooling effect as ten room-size air conditioners!

Science and technology are hard at work trying out other things like cool pavements, better bus shelters, and natural solutions like mini forests to help keep urban temperatures down. Pretty cool, right?

Click the Keep Cool DC link below to learn more about the heat!


Wetter

Rising solutions for rising tides

Precipitation events (like rain, snow, and hail) are all expected to become more frequent and more intense. That means the District must be better prepared to protect the city from flooding and other water damage.

 Warmer air temperatures and warmer oceans mean that ice in the sea is freezing slower and melting faster. These changes over the last century have caused water levels to rise around the globe. Rising sea levels cause tidal rivers (rivers that are affected by the ocean's tides) to rise too. This includes the District's very own Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. As a result of climate change, river levels have increased nearly one foot in the past 100 years. By 2050, the District may see nearly two feet of sea level rise compared to 2000. By 2080, the District may experience nearly five feet of sea level rise!

So, what does this mean for people living in the District? The first areas to be impacted are the District’s riverfront areas, which may become less accessible due to flooding. For example, little by little, parts of Hains Point have become inaccessible over the years as the water level of the Potomac River continues to rise and the island slowly sinks into the river. Hains Point could become completely inaccessible in the future. Other riverfront parks, like Anacostia Park, will also be impacted from these flooding events. Not only does this mean less waterfront picnics and activities, but a continued rise in sea levels could impact neighborhoods and infrastructure. For example, the railroad tracks along the Anacostia River and DC Water's Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant could be at risk for damage.

Flooding at the Navy Yard in 1936

Heavy rain, lots of melting snow or ice, and dam failures can all cause rivers to overflow their banks and flood the coastline too. The District has had many issues with riverine flooding, especially in 1936, 1937, 1942, and even twice in 1996.

DC also experiences storm surge flooding, which is caused by strong storms that travel over the ocean, like hurricanes. Storm surge flooding occurred in 1933, 1972 (Hurricane Agnes), and 2003 (Hurricane Isabel). Flooding from this type of event could seriously impact multiple District neighborhoods, including Buzzard Point, Southwest, Federal Triangle, the National Mall and more.

Here are examples of flood events in recent years 

  • In June 2006, several offices in the Federal Triangle area were closed due to flooding.
  • In 2012, several basement apartments in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods flooded.
  • In 2020, flood waters took over the several roads, leaving cars stranded in high waters. Several people needed to be rescued.

Why does it flood when it rains?

Flooding near Penn Ave at 7th St near the Library of Congress in 1889

Think about the last time it rained really hard. Have you ever thought about where all that water goes? Normally, it flows down storm drains, the drains at the curb of streets. Some of these pipes direct rainwater into the rivers, and some send water to the DC Water Blue Plains water treatment plant. Sometimes when it downpours, those pipes get overloaded and can’t drain water faster than water is accumulating in the street. This overflow can cause floods, which can damage buildings, flood basements, ruin cars, hurt the environment and, most importantly, put people at risk of injury or death.

Be Prepared for Major Storms

When a big coastal storm or hurricane is heading for the District, it is important to have a plan for yourself and the people you love. Keep a close eye on the weather! Always have an emergency kit ready full of things like food, water, flashlights, medicine, first aid kits, and comfortable clothes. If public officials say you should leave home to stay safe, it’s important to listen.

To learn more about how to be ready for storms, visit  ready.dc.gov 

DC Fire and EMS on X (formerly Twitter): "Water rescue 600 block R.I. Ave NE. Several vehicles submerged in underpass beneath the RR tracks. Awaiting arrival of zodiac boat to check on any occupants. pic.twitter.com/htdWKVSLhV / X"

What is the District doing to reduce the risk of flooding?

One of the best ways to deal with flooding from extreme events to manage the rain where it falls: on roofs, streets, parks, and more. Several agencies are planning to use “blue-green infrastructure” (BGI) to soak up the rain. BGI uses trees and plants to absorb water and uses open green spaces like parks to hold excess water.  Read more about BGI in DC .


Sneezier

Pass the tissues!

Do you feel like your allergies have been worse lately? Unfortunately, warmer weather means longer and more intense allergy seasons. The extreme heat earlier in the year signals plants with the green light to begin blooming earlier than they used to. A lot of carbon dioxide is in the air from humans releasing greenhouse gases, and that carbon dioxide tells plants to release even more pollen. As a result, we are getting more pollen for longer periods of time. This can be especially harmful to District residents with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses.

The U.S. Army Centralized Allergen Extract Lab said that the 3 types of pollen (tree, grass, and ragweed) are all flourishing in this unseasonably warm weather! That leaves humans sneezing and itching, and everything outside covered with a thin layer of pollen.

Key: BC | Black Carbon, CH4 | Methane, CO2 | Carbon dioxide, CO | Carbon Monoxide, NH3 | Ammonia, NO2 | Nitrogen dioxide, N2O | Nitrous oxide, O3 | Ground-level ozone, PM | Particulate Matter, SO2 | Sulfur Dioxide, VOC | Volatile Organic Compounds Credit: Center for Climate Engagement Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge


Wilder

In recent years, the District has seen a lot of unexpected weather

Winter storm Jonas clean-up in 2016

In recent years, the District has seen some unexpected weather. Out of the norm things are common here, (like life size bobbleheads of past presidents racing around Nationals Park during baseball games) and weather has been no exception.

Can you recall experiencing warm days in the middle of winter? Rainstorms that were much worse than forecasted? And even worse, big storms that came without warning? As climate changes the region’s local weather, scientists are having a hard time predicting what will come next. Wild!

Mayor Bowser studies the damage from a DC storm in 2023

For example, the District has seen several derechos in the last few years. Derechos are long storm cells that can be over 240 miles in length (that’s longer than the whole state of Virginia!) and produce several thunderstorms at a time. Some might remember the derecho of 2012, which was the deadliest and most destructive derecho in North American history.

Experts were caught by surprise by the storm, leaving the District with little time to prepare. The storm gained strength quickly after a record high-heat day that hit 104 degrees.

Microburst (Source: National Weather Service)

The tricky weather does not stop there: the changing climate is also making storms more intense. Communities within the District have faced several microbursts, or powerful thunderstorms that rock a small area (usually less than 2.5 miles small). The winds from a microburst can be up to 100 miles per hour, which is pretty much a small tornado! Outside of the District, tornados have recently formed as well, like the one that hit Gaithersburg in the beginning of Summer 2024.

Like derechos, the warning lead time for these storms can be very short. Keeping a close eye on the weather helps you prepare for the unpredictable nature of these weather events.


Cool Climate Projects in DC

Wondering what climate projects are happening in your neighborhood? Keep scrolling to find out!

District government has been working hard to prepare residents, businesses, and the built environment for all of these changes in our local weather. DOEE and HSEMA working hard to prepare the District’s people, places, and things to ensure everyone’s readiness for all types of weather.

Here are some examples of the projects making DC “Climate Ready"

1

Small Resilient Parks

The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of Planning identified small parks and open spaces to redesign to be more resilient. Two clusters of small parks were selected for an analysis: one along Minnesota Ave in Fairlawn/Anacostia, and the other along Bladensburg Road in Langdon.

2

Watts Branch Flood Mitigation Plan

DOEE and HSEMA partnered to receive a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant to identify and design a network of natural and blue-green infrastructure projects to reduce flood risk in the Watts Branch area.

3

Resilience Hubs

A resilience hub is a community facility that connects residents to resources and services to help a community be prepared for emergencies and disruptions. DOEE provided a grant to the Faunteroy Center, the District's first resilience hub, to provide uninterrupted solar power.

4

Southwest DC Green Blue Infrastructure Stormwater Mitigation Project

The Southwest DC Community has worked to design a series of connected, floodable, multipurpose parks to protect the area from flooding by absorbing rainwater.

5

Saint Elizabeth Campus Microgrid

In partnership with Ameresco, the District is building a microgrid on St. Elizabeth's Campus to provide uninterrupted power to the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health, the 311/911 Call Center, and the Men's Shelter. A microgrid ensures continuous power even if there is a power outage.

6

DC Water Blue Plains Floodwall

HSEMA and DC Water partnered to build a floodwall around the DC Blue Plains Wastewater facility. The floodwall acts as a barrier between this critical facility and the Potomac River to reduce the risk of flooding.


Share your extreme weather story

Did you personally relate to some of the information here? Well, we want to hear it! Community feedback is an important part of hearing how climate change affects life in the District. Sharing your thoughts will help us help you!

Learn more about the Climate Ready DC update and let's hear from you!

Learn more about the District’s plans for extreme weather


Glossary

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Earth's Moods

Climate Change: long-term shifts in the Earth's temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts have been accelerated through human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, and deforestation.

Global Warming: the gradual, long-term rise in Earth's average temperature by human activities (such as fossil fuel use and deforestation) that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trap heat, and lead to irregular global weather patterns.

Weather: the condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, including temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, and cloud cover.

Extreme Heat: often referred to as a "heat wave," is an extended period of unusually high temperatures (95°F) frequently accompanied by high humidity.

Microburst: a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm and is usually less than or equal to 2.5 miles in diameter.

FLOODING

Don't forget your umbrella

Coastal Flooding: flooding caused by storm surge and wind activity along tidal bodies of water.

Riverine Flooding flooding caused by the overflow of riverbanks from rainfall within the watershed.

Interior Flooding: flooding caused by heavy rainfall over a short period of time where there is not enough drainage capacity. *This is when flash flooding and nuisance flooding can occur (also known as inland, nuisance, urban, or flash flooding.

Derecho: a widespread, long-lived windstorm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.

Storm Surge: is the rise in seawater level caused solely by a storm.

Sea Level Rise: changes in ocean or sea levels caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers, and the expansion of seawater as it warms. Changes in sea level can cause erosion of shoreline, increased flooding of coastal areas, and other climate-related impacts.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The fabric of the city

Blue Green Infrastructure: a combination of natural and semi-natural structures (e.g., green roofs, floodable parks) that work in combination to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, severe flooding, and other effects of climate change.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP): is a technology that uses a single fuel source to generate both heat and electricity.

Critical Infrastructure: consists of important facilities, systems, and networks in the District that would have a catastrophic impact on economy, security, health, and safety if they were destroyed or interrupted.

Renewable Energy: is energy generated from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Some examples are wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biofuel.

Microgrid: a microgrid is an energy system that connects multiple energy sources like generators, renewable resources like solar panels, and batteries to nearby customers and provides them with reliable power even in the event of an outage.

Solar Battery: a device that is added to a solar power system which stores extra electricity generated by solar panels.

Solar Energy: stored energy created by capturing radiation from the Sun through solar panels. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy resource we have.

RESILIENCE

Never gonna keep me down

Adaptation: change, transformation, or renovation in natural or human systems in order to manage or prepare for the impacts of climate change. Aiming to change existing processes, infrastructure, or systems to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.

Environmental Justice: is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Fair treatment means no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. 

Hazard Mitigation: is sustained action to reduce or eliminate the long‐term risk to human life and property from hazards.

Resilience Hubs: trusted community facilities in areas with high climate risk that can act as a place of refuge and hub for resources and information in the event of a disaster.

Urban Heat Island: an urban area that is a lot warmer than the rural areas surrounding it.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Designed to last

Decarbonization: the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by switching from the use of fossil fuel to cleaner alternatives. Efforts to decarbonize in the energy, transportation, and industrial sectors all help to combat climate change.

Ecosystem Services: the geological, organic, or ecological resources which exist naturally, which support ecosystem services or biodiversity.

Nature-Based Solutions: actions and approaches to protect, manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems. Utilizing natural environment to simultaneously benefit people and nature, through efforts such as reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure.

Green Building: the practice of creating structures that prioritize resource efficiency, energy conservation, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials. These practices apply throughout a building's life cycle from siting through design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

Resilient Design Guidelines: guidance for District municipal planning and regulatory staff, building owners, developers, facility managers, and other stakeholders with information needed to integrate resilient design into new construction or renovations of existing facilities.

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Flooding at the Navy Yard in 1936

Flooding near Penn Ave at 7th St near the Library of Congress in 1889

Key: BC | Black Carbon, CH4 | Methane, CO2 | Carbon dioxide, CO | Carbon Monoxide, NH3 | Ammonia, NO2 | Nitrogen dioxide, N2O | Nitrous oxide, O3 | Ground-level ozone, PM | Particulate Matter, SO2 | Sulfur Dioxide, VOC | Volatile Organic Compounds Credit: Center for Climate Engagement Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge

Winter storm Jonas clean-up in 2016

Mayor Bowser studies the damage from a DC storm in 2023

Microburst (Source: National Weather Service)