The Winds of Change Have Swept In

Signs of Spring Have Been Arriving Early

Although this month has been exceptionally mild in the Nation’s Capital, another facet of the unusual February weather has gotten less attention.  February 2017 could become the driest February on record in Washington, D.C.  With only 0.16” of rain since February 1, Washington, D.C. has to finish with less than 0.35” of rain to set a new record. 

While Washingtonians average 5.7” of snow in February, only a trace has occurred this month.  Since the National Weather Service began keeping snow records in 1888, 30 Februarys have had less than one inch of snow and another 16 got only a trace of snow in Washington, D.C.  This February would be the first since 2004 with only a trace of snow in the Nation’s Capital.  That’s quite remarkable since six of the last 15 Februarys have been snowier than average in Washington, D.C. including two of the top five snowiest on record (2010, 2003).  

Meanwhile, Washingtonians have a new kind of streak going with February poised to become the ninth consecutive drier than average month in Washington, D.C.  Since meteorological winter began on December 1, the Nation’s Capital has a rainfall deficit of 2.31”.  The latest Drought Monitor Index shows moderate drought conditions have enveloped the DC Metro Region.

The drier than average weather, in conjunction with the lack of snow cover, has made it easier for temperatures to warm during the day.  Since December 1, there have been only four days with high temperatures at or below freezing in the Nation’s Capital.  On the other than, there have been 25 days with a high temperature of at least 55 degrees.  Washingtonians have also enjoyed four days with temperatures in the 70s since January 1.  The Nation’s Capital didn’t see its fourth day of 70 degree warmth last year until March 11.  Consequently, this month’s average temperature through February 22 is 45.1 degrees, which could make this the third warmest on record. 

This has also been a rather windy month with four days of wind gusts above 40 mph.  There was even a wind gust of 65 mph at National Airport on February 12.  The milder than average temperatures and breezy conditions have combined to make this February feel more like March or April in the Nation’s Capital.