What Happened to Spring 2016?

A major shift in the weather pattern is underway following nearly a month of cooler and wetter than average weather in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  The Nation’s Capital has had measureable rainfall on 22 of the last 28 days – including a record 15-consecutive day stretch of rain that ended May 11.  Also, since May 1 there have been 18 days with measureable rainfall.

The frequent rainfall this month has helped suppress temperatures.  Through May 22, the average monthly temperature in the Nation’s Capital was 59.6 degrees, which was tied with May 1917 for second coolest on record.  Although average highs are in the 70s for most of May, there have been only eight days in the 70s so far this May.  By comparison, there were five days this month with high temperatures below 60 degrees – more characteristic of March.  Washington, D.C.’s record for most May days cooler than 60 degrees is seven – that last occurred in 1882! 

Such cooler than average May weather is almost unheard of in the Nation’s Capital.  May typically features several days with temperatures in the 80s and a few days in the 90s. Washingtonians have averaged between one and two days of 90-degree heat each May since 1993.  The last time it was 90 degrees in Washington, D.C. was when it was 94 degrees on September 9, 2015 according to the National Weather Service.

Despite the frequency of rain in the last month, the rainfall has been generally light.  Since May 1, there has been 5.22” of rain at National Airport, which wouldn’t even rank in the Top Ten among wettest Mays.  NOAA records indicate that on only four of the 22 days of rain since April 27, has there been a half an inch or more of rain.  Area residents are fortunate on two fronts: 1) there hasn’t been any significant flooding; and 2) the minor rainfall deficit from earlier this year no longer exists.

With the exception of a 12-day stretch last month, Washingtonians have languished in a painfully stubborn weather pattern that’s featured cooler and wetter than average conditions.  Residents and tourists haven’t been able to enjoy the city’s typically beautiful springtime weather.  While it hasn’t been 80 degrees in Washington, D.C. in almost a month since April 26, a rapid transition to a more summer-like pattern will occur as the Memorial Day weekend approaches. 

Temperatures will be around 80 degrees today and well into the 80s starting tomorrow and through the holiday weekend.  Some areas will approach 90 degrees by the end of the week.  That’s great news as area pools will open this weekend and many people head to the beach for Memorial Day.  By the time the hazy, hot and humid weather of mid-summer arrives, Washingtonians will fondly remember the cool and wet weather that’s dominated much of the last two months.