Mayor Bowser Celebrates Lunar New Year While Activating Snow Team Response

Mayor Bowser to Attend 2026 Lunar New Year Parade

Mayor Muriel Bowser and District officials are balancing cultural celebration with emergency preparedness today, Sunday, February 22, 2026. The Mayor’s public schedule features a major community event in Chinatown, followed immediately by the deployment of the District Snow Team to address a forecasted winter storm moving into the region.

Mayor Bowser is scheduled to join the community at 11:30 a.m. today to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year Parade. The event, held at 6th and I Streets NW, is a centerpiece of the District’s cultural calendar, bringing together residents and visitors for a high-energy celebration in the heart of Chinatown. The Mayor is expected to deliver remarks highlighting the contributions of the AAPI community to the city's growth and vibrancy. The event remains open to the press and the public, with a live broadcast scheduled on Channel 16 (DCN) and the Mayor's official social media platforms.

Snow Team Deployment and Weather Alerts

As the parade festivities conclude, the city government will shift its focus to public safety and infrastructure. Mayor Bowser has announced the full activation of the District Snow Team starting at 12:00 p.m. today. The team will begin treating major roadways with salt ahead of a weather system forecasted to bring a mix of rain and snow to the District.

• Pre-treatment: Deployment starts at noon on Sunday to ensure arterial roads remain passable as temperatures drop.
• Weather Forecast: The National Weather Service predicts precipitation beginning as rain in the early afternoon, transitioning to snow throughout the day and into Monday morning.
• Accumulation: Officials are monitoring the potential for several inches of accumulation, which could significantly impact the Monday morning commute.

Cold Alert and Social Services

In addition to the road response, the District remains under a Cold Alert that went into effect last night. The Mayor is urging residents to look out for vulnerable neighbors and utilize available resources for those experiencing homelessness. Hypothermia shelters are open across all wards to provide warm, safe spaces for those in need.

Residents requiring free, accessible transportation to a shelter, or those wishing to report the location of an individual in need of assistance, are encouraged to call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. The District government emphasizes that any immediate medical emergencies should be reported via 911.

Government Oversight Season Continues

While the Council of the District of Columbia does not have any formal sessions or hearings scheduled for this Sunday, the city is currently in the midst of its rigorous performance and budget oversight season. Throughout February, various government agencies have been appearing before Council committees to examine prior-year performance and prepare for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. These high-stakes legislative sessions are expected to resume tomorrow morning with hearings regarding health and education services.