What’s Special about this June?

Davidsonville, Maryland  (June 28, 2016)  Courtesy: Nicole McKee

Near average temperatures today and tomorrow should leave this month approximately one degree warmer than average in Washington, D.C.  But, June 2016 pales in comparison to the extreme heat during the very hot Junes from 2010 – 2012.  In fact, June’s all-time hottest recorded temperature in the Nation’s Capital occurred just four years ago today when it was 104 degrees.  By comparison, this June’s hottest temperature was 96 degrees at National Airport on the 11^th. 

Temperatures have only reached the 90s on five occasions this month – as compared to twelve such days last June.  What’s helped make this month warmer than average has been some warm overnight low temperatures.  Also, National Airport had a near average total of 3.68” through June 28, while Dulles Airport in nearby Sterling, Virginia was significantly wetter than average with 6.35” of rain this month.  That’s largely due to the location and track of the thunderstorms that have occurred.

Most Mid-Atlantic residents will remember this month for the frequency of severe weather.  On June 16, baseball-sized hail occurred in Loudoun County, Virginia which caused extensive damage in the town of Bluemont.  Just a few days later on June 21, another round of severe weather brought an EF-0 tornado to Howard County, MD, and a number of severe wind gusts (58 mph per hour or greater).  Last night, the DC Metro Region saw another round of severe thunderstorms with more severe wind gusts bringing damage to parts of the area including Manassas, Virginia and parts of Silver Spring, Maryland.  Although not as common as in other parts of the country, June severe weather outbreaks can occur here.

Many Washingtonians have shifted their attention to the weather for the Independence Day holiday and the month of July.  Although NOAA’s temperature outlook is for near average temperatures over the next six to ten days, the month of July has an increased chance to be warmer than average across much of the eastern United States.  People can also continue to rely upon my colleagues and me on the WUSA9 weather team for the latest forecasts.