News Summary
Washington D.C. is set to experience a warm week, with highs nearing 90 degrees later this week after a cool start to September. Despite the warm temperatures, the forecast predicts potential scattered showers and thunderstorms, particularly on Thursday and Saturday. This shifts from a notably cool August, and residents can expect pleasant temperatures and comfortable evenings.
Washington D.C. is poised for a week of mostly comfortable temperatures, with afternoon highs nearing 90 degrees later this week, although the forecast also indicates a potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms. Following an unusually cool and dry start to September, local meteorologists predict a mix of warmer conditions and brief rain opportunities from Thursday through the weekend.
Overnight tonight, residents can expect clear skies and cool temperatures, with lows settling in the 50s region-wide. Wednesday promises pleasant weather as well, with temperatures climbing to highs around 80 degrees, setting a comfortable stage for the middle of the week.
As the week progresses, Washington D.C. will experience a gradual increase in temperatures, with Thursday anticipated to bring highs in the upper 80s, and a slight chance of reaching the 90-degree mark. However, potential interruptions may arise from two approaching cold fronts that could bring light rain, especially in the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday and Saturday. Friday is also expected to see temperatures in the 80s, with a chance of morning showers.
This week marks a significant turnaround from a notably cool August, which was the city’s coolest in 25 years and registered as its driest on record. D.C. has not experienced measurable rain since August 21, save for a trace of 0.01 inches, which has led some areas to inch closer to drought conditions. The last day the city recorded a high temperature of 90 degrees was August 17, with a scorching peak of 96 degrees.
As the week unfolds, Friday and Saturday have potential to reach or even exceed 90 degrees, although the most likely scenario places temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. Meanwhile, the forecast for the weekend shows mostly sunny to partly sunny conditions on Saturday, although afternoon thunderstorms may disrupt the heat. After these warm days, Sunday is likely to see temperatures cool back to the mid to upper 70s, accompanied by plenty of sunshine.
Looking ahead to early next week, D.C. is expected to remain cooler than normal, with forecasted highs hovering in the 70s and comfortable overnight lows in the 50s and 60s. Historical climate data suggests that September could again end up being one of the coolest months since 2006, predicting an average temperature around 70 degrees with expected rainfall totaling approximately 1.5 inches.
Historically, September in Washington D.C. can bring significant rainfall, but the absence of tropical systems this year is likely to limit overall precipitation. Noteworthy past events include September 10, 1922, when a record of 5.16 inches of rain fell within the month, including a remarkable 2.38 inches within just one hour. In contrast, 1980 saw a record high of 101 degrees, part of a notably sweltering streak with consecutive highs above 90 degrees.
As September continues, residents of Washington D.C. can expect a blend of warm afternoons, comfortable evenings, and the chance for much-needed rain, following a cool and dry spell that has characterized the start of the month.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Post: Climate Research Cuts
- Wikipedia: Climate Change
- King 5: Northern Lights in Washington
- Google Search: Northern Lights
- KOIN: Northern Lights Forecast
- Google Scholar: Weather Forecast
- Kitsap Sun: Wildfire Smoke Map
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Quality
- Washington Post: DC Weather Updates
- Google News: Washington DC Weather
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
