Today in Weather History

Some noteworthy weather events have occurred in the DC Metro Area on this date.  As April 2020 comes to a close, it’s worth reflecting upon some of them.

2020: This April will likely be only the third cooler and wetter than average April in the Nation’s Capital since 2001.  This month has seen it all from June-like warmth, to March-like cold and severe weather.  However, it will ultimately be remembered for being a cool and wet month.  Measurable rainfall occurred in the Nation’s Capital on 14 of the first 27 days, including the last five consecutive days.  With several more rain chances this week, this month could also rank among DC’s Top 10 wettest April’s on record.

2011: One of the largest severe weather outbreaks in the United States occurred on April 27-28.  A total of 230 lives were lost on April 27 alone.  There were more than 300 confirmed tornadoes for the two-day period from Mississippi to New York.  Nineteen of them struck in Maryland and Virginia. 

According to NOAA, the United States averaged 155 tornadoes for the month of April during the 20-year period from 1991 – 2010.  It was remarkable to see roughly double that amount over just a two-day period.

1994: At the time, April 1994 was DC’s second warmest on record (it’s since fallen to fourth warmest).  The high temperature in the Nation’s Capital climbed to 90° on April 27.  While significantly warmer than the daily average high of 70°, it wasn’t a record.  On April 27, 1915, DC had a daily record high of 95° which is also tied for DC’s warmest April temperature overall. 

DC’s Wettest April’s (Source: NOAA)

1.  9.13” (1889)
2.  6.88” (1983)
3.  6.85” (1937)
4.  6.58” (1918)
5.  6.47” (2014)
6.  6.34” (1901)
7.  6.26” (1895)
8.  6.19” (1940)
9.  6.10” (1929)
10.  5.97” (1952)
11.  5.89” (1910)
12.  5.86” (1913)
13.  5.65” (1874)
14.  5.39” (1924)
15.  5.35” (1970)
16.  5.18” (2020 as of April 27)