Another Warm February

NOAA's Temperature outlook for late February and early March

February 2018 could finish among the 10 warmest on record in the Nation’s Capital.  That’s despite a cooler than average start with high temperatures at or below average on eight of the first 10 days of the month.  Since then, temperatures have been warmer than average on eight of the last 10.  Consequently, DC’s average monthly temperature (combining daily high and low temperatures) is 41.5°.

Record high temperatures were set yesterday at National and Dulles Airports (78° and 77° respectively), while BWI Airport tied its record high of 76°.  Yesterday’s high of 78° was DC’s warmest February day since February 24, 1985 (also 78°).  More record-breaking warmth is on tap for the DC Metro Area today with temperatures in the upper 70s to around 80° once again.

The existing record for earliest 80° day of the year in the Nation’s Capital is February 25, 1930 (84°).  Temperatures aren’t expected to be that warm but could reach 80° today.  That isn’t the average high in the Nation’s Capital until May 31!  Not everyone will be that warm, though, as areas on or near a body of water – such as the Chesapeake Bay – will remain a few degrees cooler (due to the cold water temperatures).  

Area residents may recall that last February was DC’s warmest on record with an average temperature of 47.7° (nearly 9° warmer than average) and six days in the 70s.  Equally impressive is the fact that since 1970, there has been only one record low February temperature at National Airport (2015).

By comparison, over the 20-year period through 2017, there were seven record high February temperatures in Washington, D.C., in addition to eight record high-low temperatures.  A record high-low temperature essentially means the daily low temperature was unusually warm.  For example, the record high-low temperature on this date in the Nation’s Capital is 51°, which occurred in 1974.  For perspective, DC’s average high temperature on February 21 is 49°.

This trend of warmer overnight temperatures and a significantly greater number of record highs than record lows can largely be attributed to an increase in urbanization over recent decades.  The increased development in and around cities enhances the urban heat island effect. 

February 21 Record High / Record High Low Temperatures (Degrees Fahrenheit)

DCA: 75° (1953) / 51° (1954)
IAD: 70° (1997) / 45° (1981)
BWI: 74° (1930) / 49° (1981)