As the Washington D.C. area gears up for summer, residents are bracing for a notably hot and humid season that is expected to rank among the hottest on record. The shift from an unusually cool late May to soaring temperatures is anticipated as June approaches, with forecasters predicting the first 90-degree day right around the beginning of the month.
Summer temperatures are expected to be around 1 to 2 degrees above the historical average from 1991 to 2020. This forecast aligns with the ongoing trend of rising summer temperatures attributed to human-induced climate change. In fact, nine of the ten hottest summers recorded in D.C. have occurred since 2010, indicating a dramatic increase in heat over the past decade.
During the months of June through August, the forecast suggests D.C. could see 40 to 45 days reaching or exceeding 90 degrees, surpassing the normal average of 34 for that period. July is particularly projected to be 2 degrees above average, with similar hot conditions lingering into August.
Recent data provided by the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that significant rainfall in late May has alleviated drought conditions in many areas of the D.C. region, although some nearby regions remain in moderate drought. Despite these recent improvements, experts warn that prolonged dry spells combined with extreme heat could reignite drought concerns.
The outlook has been corroborated by major forecasting agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Service, both predicting a hotter-than-normal summer for most of the United States. With advances in forecasting methods, seasonal predictions have become more reliable, though experts caution about inherent uncertainties.
Overall, while residents may need to prepare for oppressive heat this summer, the thriving community spirit, engagement in outdoor activities, and resources for heat mitigation can help make the best of the coming warm months.