Cold Weather Is Back. Here’s How to Help People in Need This Winter.

Temperatures around Washington tonight are expected to dip into the low 30s for the first time this season. In other words, while winter is officially still weeks away, it’s time to brace yourself for wintry conditions. There’s even a forecast of “conversational snow”—as in there might be a few snowflakes, but no accumulation, so let’s keep the conversation below a full-blown panic.

But tonight’s chilly forecast also brings the first hypothermia alert of the season. The District’s will go into effect at 7 PM, when the wind chill is expected to fall below 32 degrees. With DC officials still figuring out how best to serve the city’s homeless population through the cold months, it’s worth remembering the hotline in case you see anyone in need of shelter: (800) 535-7252. (You can also be connected through the city’s 311 service.)

Here are the local phone numbers to remember to help those in need:

• DC: (202) 399-7093, (800) 535-7252, or 211
• Montgomery County: (240) 777-4000
• Prince George’s County: (888) 731-0999
• Alexandria: (703) 548-7500
• Arlington: (703) 228-7395
• Fairfax County: (703) 691-2131

Benjamin Freed

Staff Writer

Benjamin Freed joined Washingtonian in August 2013 and covers politics, business, and media. He was previously the editor of DCist and has also written for Washington City Paper, the New York Times, the New Republic, Slate, and BuzzFeed. He lives in Adams Morgan.