DC’s Surprising February

 

Photo Credit: Kayce Kerr

Washingtonians have certainly had some unusual weather so far this February.  Snow has occurred on nine of the first 18 days of the month.  Despite the frequency of the snowfall this month, only 2.7” has accumulated since February 1.  That includes the 0.6” of snow yesterday that was, by coincidence, DC’s total for the entire 2019-2020 winter season.

It’s also been a relatively cold month in the DC Metro Area.  DC’s average monthly temperature, combining daily high and low temperatures, is 2.1° below average through February 18.  That’s significant since the last five February’s have been much warmer than average.  Three of DC’s 10 warmest February’s have occurred since 2016.   

By comparison, this month has been exceptionally chilly with three days of high temperatures at or below freezing.  For some Washingtonians, this February has felt especially chilly as there haven’t been any warm days.  While DC’s warmest temperature so far this month was a March-like high of 57° on February 5, the last five February’s have had at least three days with highs in the 60s.  DC’s warmest February in 2017 even saw six days with highs in the 70s.

The Nation’s Capital has a monthly rainfall surplus of 0.93” as of February 18.  Having a wetter than average February with below average snowfall is unusual in the Nation’s Capital.  Only four of the last 20 February’s have been wetter than average with below average snowfall in the Nation’s Capital, but three of those four occurred between 2018 and 2020.  February 2021 could become DC’s fourth consecutive wetter than average February with below average snowfall.  

Following below average temperatures through the weekend, moderating temperatures will ensue early next week.  However, those milder temperatures won’t be enough to offset the predominantly cooler than average weather for much of February.  Winter weather enthusiasts longing for accumulating snowfall shouldn’t, however, give up hope.  That’s because appreciable snowfall, though rare, can still occur during March.  As recently as March 21, 2018, a total of 4.1” of snow accumulated in the Nation’s Capital.