Beware: More triple-digit heat coming

 

Dangerous heat will impact many eastern cities (Source: NOAA)

While June is DC’s third hottest month of the year, triple-digit heat isn’t as common as it is in July or August. Today will be the first 90-degree day of what will likely become a record-setting heat wave in the nation’s capital. A “heat wave” is loosely defined as three or more consecutive days with high temperatures of at least 90°. 

By the time this heat wave is over, the nation’s capital could have experienced as many as two or three days of triple-digit heat. Longtime Washingtonians know the combination of high temperatures and relative humidity are what makes the summer months particularly uncomfortable.

While summers in DC are often hot and humid, 100-degree air temperatures are relatively rare.  Before last summer, the nation’s capital hadn’t seen any triple-digit heat since August 15, 2016.  Prior to June 22, 2024, there hadn’t been any triple-digit June heat in Washington, D.C. since 2012.

Having one day of triple-digit heat this week would set some impressive weather benchmarks in the nation’s capital. These statistics are from the National Weather Service. Weather records in Washington, D.C. date back to 1871.

 

1. 100-degree June heat in DC has occurred only twice in consecutive June’s:

1933, 1934
2010, 2011, 2012

2. DC has experienced 100-degree June heat more than once only twice: 1959, 1874
 

3. DC has experienced 100-degree June heat on consecutive days only once:

June 29 – June 30, 1959

 
4. Longest stretch without triple-digit June heat (years):

37: 1874 – 1911
19: 1969 – 1988
18: 1934 – 1952
14: 1911 – 1925
13: 1997 – 2010
12: 2012 – 2024

Triple-digit June heat in Washington, D.C.

100° - June 5, 1925
102° - June 9, 1874
100° - June 9, 1933
102° - June 9, 2011
100° - June 10, 1964
101° - June 11, 1911
101° - June 15, 1994
101° - June 22, 1988
100° - June 22, 2024
100° - June 24, 2010
100° - June 25, 1997
101° - June 26, 1952
100° - June 26, 1954
100° - June 28, 1969
101° - June 29, 1874
101° - June 29, 1934
100° - June 29, 1959
104° - June 29, 2012
100° - June 30, 1959