D.C.’s Memorable May Weather

 

May 2022 will finish as a significantly wetter than average month and slightly warmer than average.  There were several bouts of severe weather that contributed to making this a wetter than average May in the Nation’s Capital.  There was 6.36” of rain as of May 28.  That puts this May among D.C.’s Top 15 wettest on record. 

Three days this month had an inch or more of rain for the highest such total since December 2020.  The rainiest day was May 22 with 1.50”.  May 27 also featured a considerable amount of severe weather in the D.C. Metro Area, including brief tornadoes in Montgomery and St. Mary’s Counties in Maryland.  Adding to the gloomy feel of the month was the overall number of days with rain.  Rain occurred at National Airport, D.C.’s official weather reporting station, on 18 days this May. 

Temperatures this month were very streaky.  Seven of the first 11 days of May were cooler than average in Washington, D.C.  Nine days were warmer than average between May 13 and May 22.  D.C.’s first 90° day of the year occurred on May 22 (92°).  By comparison, May’s coolest temperature was 43° on May 9. 

May’s average monthly temperature (combining daily high/low temperatures) through May 28 is within 0.1° of average.  However, high temperatures tomorrow and Tuesday will be above average and could reach the low 90s.  That will ensure May 2022 finishes as a warmer than average month in the Nation’s Capital.  That would be fairly remarkable since May’s average temperature was 4.0° below average as recently as May 12. 

D.C.’s Top 15 Wettest May’s (Source: NOAA)

1. 10.69” (1953, 1889)
3. 10.66” (2008)
4. 10.60” (1886)
5. 8.87” (1948)
6. 8.73” (2018)
7. 8.05” (2009)
8. 7.77” (1989)
9. 7.06” (2003)
10. 6.99” (1946)
11. 6.97” (1897)
12. 6.80” (1971)
13. 6.73” (1924)
14. 6.33” (1949)
15. 6.26” (1933)

Average: 3.94”