February’s Rare D.C. Weather

 

It’s fitting that February 2021 is coming to a rainy and chilly conclusion in the Nation’s Capital.  That’s because today is the 15^th day with measurable precipitation, making this DC’s fourth consecutive wetter than average February.  That’s the longest such stretch since DC had five consecutive wetter than average February’s from 1982 – 1986.

Despite being a wet month, none of the snowfall was significant.  In fact, DC’s February snow total of 2.8” is roughly half the monthly average.  Snow occurred on 12 days this month with the heaviest daily snowfall on Groundhog Day with 0.7”.  Areas west and north of downtown saw significant snowfall, but the predominant storm track this month resulted in the rain/snow line setting up in the middle of the DC Metro Area.  Consequently, there were a lot of days that had a wintry mix and led to the high number of days with snowfall but only modest accumulations.  

February will also finish cooler than average in the Nation’s Capital for the first time since 2015.  Fifteen of the first 22 days of the month were colder than average.  There have been several milder than average days this past week, but not enough to offset the cold earlier in the month.  It was 60° on February 23-24, giving Washingtonians the mildest weather of the month.  DC’s coldest temperature was 25° and also occurred twice.  Low temperatures were below freezing on 20 days this month.

In addition to February 2021 finishing as a wetter and colder than average month, there were some other key developments.  It’s relatively rare for Washingtonians to have a wetter and colder than average February that also has below average snowfall.  That’s only happened twice during the last two decades in 2004 and 2013 until this month.

A total of 3.82” of February rainfall – including liquid snowfall equivalent – has occurred in the Nation Capital through February 27.  However, this February will not rank among DC’s 10 wettest on record.  It’s worth pointing out, in conclusion, that three of DC’s snowiest February’s also rank among DC’s rainiest (1899, 1979 and 2003).  That’s because the liquid equivalent of snowfall is also measured as rainfall.

Rainiest February’s in Washington, D.C.  (DCA: Source – National Weather Service)

1.  6.98” (2003)
2.  6.84” (1884)
3.  6.47” (1897)
4.  6.17” (1899)
5.  5.71” (1939, 1961)
7.  5.62” (1979)
8.  5.44” (1971)
9.  5.32” (1903)
10.  5.31” (1896)

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Snowiest February’s in Washington, D.C.

1.  35.2” (1899)
2.  32.1” (2010)
3.  30.6” (1979)
4.  28.7” (2003)
5.  21.0” (1983)
6.  19.0” (1967)
7.  18.5” (1936)
8.  18.1” (1894, 1934)
10.  18.0” (1961)