Anywhere but here
It's that time of year in DC...when things like this start showing up on your intranet:
Every year, the great fear is that we'll skip spring (which can be absolutely spectacular here) and launch right into summer (which is dreadful). Sure enough, it would appear that's the case this summer. And it's still only May! There's just nothing like walking outside your house into what feels more or less like a cross between a sauna and steam room (but with more polluted air). And the humidity is such that opening the windows at night would actually make things worse. The only hope for respite is a possible afternoon or evening thunderstorm, although preferably not when walking home. Of course it's not as bad here as it is further south (try New Orleans in July/August for fun), but that doesn't keep us from complaining. I'd say we're almost to double digits for the number of times in the past two weeks we've asked "why do we live here again?".
On the plus side, I got to ride the bus for free today because of the foul air. And the other night I saw my first firefly, which for a native Californian (we didn't have them there) is still quite exciting and one of the best things about summer here.
Air quality alert today
Today's 90-degree temperature translates into the first Code Orange alert of the year. Please take precautions if you suffer from respiratory problems by limiting outdoor activity.
Also, you are encouraged to use public transportation, avoid using aerosol consumer products, and keep hydrated at all times.
To help reduce pollution in the air, commuters in Northern Virginia can ride buses free of charge on Thursday, including Metrobuses. Buses will charge regular fares in D.C. and Maryland.
Every year, the great fear is that we'll skip spring (which can be absolutely spectacular here) and launch right into summer (which is dreadful). Sure enough, it would appear that's the case this summer. And it's still only May! There's just nothing like walking outside your house into what feels more or less like a cross between a sauna and steam room (but with more polluted air). And the humidity is such that opening the windows at night would actually make things worse. The only hope for respite is a possible afternoon or evening thunderstorm, although preferably not when walking home. Of course it's not as bad here as it is further south (try New Orleans in July/August for fun), but that doesn't keep us from complaining. I'd say we're almost to double digits for the number of times in the past two weeks we've asked "why do we live here again?".
On the plus side, I got to ride the bus for free today because of the foul air. And the other night I saw my first firefly, which for a native Californian (we didn't have them there) is still quite exciting and one of the best things about summer here.
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