What Season Is It ?

After today’s high temperature of 72° in the Nation’s Capital, some parts of the DC Metro Area are poised to see snow mixed in with tomorrow’s rain.  That’s when a storm will track south of the Mid-Atlantic Region with the DC Metro Area on the northern fringe.  Given the temperatures, any accumulations should be minimal with only wet roads. 

Snowfall – especially accumulating snowfall – is exceedingly rare in the Nation’s Capital during the month of April.  That’s due to a variety of factors such as the increasing sun angle and temperatures that are generally too warm.  Although a few flakes can occur on occasion, the ground is often too warm for any accumulation.  There is an important distinction between “snow” and “measurable snow” because it’s a lot harder for snow to accumulate in April than it is to see a few stray snowflakes. 

The last time Washingtonians experienced accumulating April snowfall was on April 7, 2007, when 0.4” was measured at National Airport.  DC’s snowiest April occurred in 1924 with 5.5” of snow.  That was also the last time DC had at least one inch of snow in April.  DC sports enthusiasts may know that 1924 was the year that the Washington Senators won the World Series.  Some superstitious baseball fans attribute DC’s lone World Series Championship to the record April snowfall. 

DC snow records date back to the 1887-1888 winter, with most of DC’s snowy Aprils having occurred prior to 1941.  Washingtonians had measurable April snowfall 14 times through 1941.  That’s roughly one out of every four Aprils.  National Airport opened in 1941 and that’s where weather measurements have been made since.  Prior to that, weather observations were made downtown away from the moderating influence of the Potomac River.  Since 1941, DC residents have had accumulating April snowfall only six times. 

Washington, D.C. doesn’t average any measurable snow in April, so it’s very unusual to see even a few flakes.  Average high/low temperatures in the Nation’s Capital range from 62°/42° on April 1 to 71°/52° on April 30.  A “trace” of snow occurs when snow falls but melts when it comes in contact with the ground.  There have been several Aprils with a trace amount of snow in Washington, D.C.  For those DC Area residents anxious for more consistent spring-like temperatures, there is some good news as moderating temperatures are likely later next week.