How hot can June get?

 

NOAA's temperature outlook

Washingtonians have enjoyed a few days of cooler than average June weather with comfortable relative humidity. High temperatures that are more characteristic of mid-to-late September in the upper 70s and low 80s occurred earlier this week. Although DC hasn't had any 90-degree heat so far this month that's about to change. 

The seven-day forecast from my colleagues and I on the WUSA9 Weather Team coincides with NOAA's temperature outlook for above average temperatures over the next two weeks. The nation's capital has averaged between seven and eight June days with highs in the 90s over the last 30 years. That includes one to two June days with highs of at least 95°. The nation’s Capital also averages one day of triple-digit heat during June, roughly once every six to seven years, according to NOAA. However, DC residents haven’t experienced 100°/+ in June since 2012.

While no triple-digit heat is expected, several days in the 90s are over the next week. This might feel particularly hot for some following the last two June's that were each cooler than average in the nation's capital. Last June was actually DC's coolest since 2009, with only four days in the 90s.   

Two of DC's 10 warmest June's occurred in 2011 (fourth place) and 2010 (first place). Both of those months featured notable stretches of very hot weather. The longest heat wave of June 2011 was a six-day stretch (June 7 – 12) and included two record highs: 99° on June 8 and a record-tying high of 102° on June 9. There was an 11-day heat wave from June 19 - 29, 2010. It included DC's first instance of 100-degree June heat since 1997 with a record high of 100° on June 24. 

The fact 13 years passed between instances of triple-digit June heat, from 1997 to 2010, helps underscore how the current stretch of 12 years without, while unusual, isn't unprecedented. The nation's capital has come close to the triple-digit mark as recently as September 5, 2023, when a record high of 99° occurred. DC's all-time June record high is 104° on June 29, 2012.