Federal Offices in DC Area Open with 1-Hour Delayed Arrival

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that federal offices in the Washington, DC area will be open on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with a 1-hour delayed arrival. Employees have the option to take unscheduled leave or work remotely for the day, depending on their telework status and work arrangements.

Why it matters

This announcement from OPM is important for federal workers in the DC area, as it provides guidance on how to handle work arrangements during inclement weather. The option for delayed arrival, unscheduled leave, or remote work helps ensure the safety of employees while also allowing government operations to continue.

The details

According to the OPM announcement, federal agencies in the Washington, DC area will be open on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, but with a 1-hour delayed arrival. Employees have the option to take unscheduled leave or work remotely for the day, depending on their telework status and work arrangements. Telework employees not scheduled to telework must be prepared to telework, take unscheduled leave, or use other paid time off. Remote and scheduled telework employees are expected to begin their workday on time unless requesting unscheduled leave. Non-telework employees and unscheduled telework employees can either report to the office and receive weather and safety leave for up to 1 hour past their normal arrival time, or request unscheduled leave for the entire workday.

• The OPM announcement applies to Wednesday, January 28, 2026.