During Heat Wave, Metro Allows Water Bottles on Board

Metro is allowing riders to drink water on the transit system this week—on Wednesday and Thursday—as a heat wave descends on the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, according to Huffpost DC and WMATA.

A heat advisory is in effect for much of the DC region, including Montgomery County, from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s, and heat indices will register between 100 and 105 degrees, Huffpost DC reports.

Metro is lifting its “no drinking” policy for water only, according to a WMATA press release. While riders may not consume other beverages or food on the system, they may drink water in stations, on buses and on Metro trains.

Metro is encouraging riders to use water containers or bottles that can be tightly secured, and to properly dispose of trash.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is advising residents to “pre-hydrate, hydrate ad re-hydrate” during the heat wave.

“During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level,” wrote Fire Chief Richard Bowers in a statement. “Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities, and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.”

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