From Thunderstorms to Snow

January is the coldest month of the year in many North American cities including Washington, D.C.  Occasionally, the weather pattern is favorable for large swings in temperature in the DC Metro Region.  This past week has been a good example with high temperatures in the 70s on January 11-12 and highs only near 40° expected this afternoon.

Last weekend there were showers and rare January thunderstorms in parts of the DC Metro Area. With tomorrow's snow, sleet and freezing rain, this week's weather is a truly rare event in the DC Metro Area.  There have been some similar occurrences over the last 15 years.

　

2014: A Tornado Watch was issued on February 21 for parts of the DC Metro Area.  There was a confirmed EF-0 tornado in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and another in southern Virginia.  High temperatures reached 69° at National Airport and 57° at Dulles Airport.  By February 25, however, highs were only in the 30s, with a 2-day snow total of 3.8” in the Nation’s Capital.

　

2008: Washingtonians experienced spring-like warmth with a high of 74° on February 6 that was followed by severe weather north and west of the DC Metro Area.  By February 11, high temperatures only reached the low 30s and some snow fell in parts of the DMV.  Residents may recall the icy road conditions that snarled traffic in northern Virginia on Primary Election Day, February 12.

It was 74° again in the Nation’s Capital less than a week later on February 18.  But, another sharp cold front ushered in dramatically colder weather with highs only in the mid-30s on February 20 – 22.  The month’s only inch of snow occurred on February 20, just two days after temperatures reached the 70s.

　　

2005: The Nation's Capital had a high temperature of 71° on January 13, followed by a daily record amount of rain (1.82") on January 14.  Washingtonians also had a Tornado Watch with some showers and thunderstorms accompanying a cold front that brought a sharp drop in temperatures. High temperatures fell from 65° on January 14 to 37° on January 15. A trace of snow occurred in Washington, D.C. on January 16 and January 17 (not enough to measure), with 1" to 3" in the western and northern suburbs. It was even colder on January 18 with a high/low of only 24°/14°.