- Washington DC today experienced the highest January temperature ever recorded in history
- DC reported a temperature of 81 degrees
- Just last week, the American capital was covered in white snow
Washington DC residents are facing weather whiplash after last week’s snow was replaced this week by record high January temperatures.
On Friday afternoon, the mercury in DC reached 81 degrees – which is hotter than Miami, Florida, and the warmest January day on record.
The previous record was set on January 26, 1950, when a high of 79 degrees was reported.
Temperatures around this time are usually around 45 degrees.
This afternoon, DC reported temperatures of 81 degrees, making today the warmest January day on record
Previously, the record was set on January 26, 1950, when a high temperature of 79 degrees was reported. Temperatures around this time are usually around 45 degrees
DC isn’t the only location in the area seeing record highs.
Dulles International Airport broke the all-time record with a high of 79 degrees, four degrees higher than the previous record breaker in 1975.
Reagan International Airport also broke the January record of 79 degrees, set 74 years ago.
‘Not just hot, hot and humid. It feels like May. I wouldn’t be surprised if the heat index was in the mid-80s or higher,” said a DC resident on X.
‘It’s really a gamble for January. Hate it. BUT it’s sunny,’ said another.
This time last week, DC was covered in fresh white snow after the second major snowstorm.
The snowfall forced schools and businesses to close and created dangerous driving conditions on icy roads.
Flights to and from the city were also halted due to the drastic weather conditions, ending the region’s 728-day streak without an inch or more of snow on a calendar day.
A total of 7.8 inches of snow pushed the season total above the average of 4.4 inches, the Washington Post revealed.
This time last week, DC was blanketed in fresh white snow after facing its second major snowstorm in just one week
The snowfall closed schools and businesses and created dangerous driving conditions on icy roads
Reagan National Airport, Washington’s official observation site, saw 20 times as much snow last week as during last year’s entire winter season.
Winter storms in D.C. were so intense last week that government officials had to call for a snow day.
The House of Representatives announced it would rescind the votes and close the White House federal offices early as the area received several inches of snow.
The weather system made its rounds across the US last week and, after hitting the West Coast, resulted in at least 72 deaths due to extreme conditions.
The Climate Prediction Center found that half of states can expect warmer-than-average weather between January and March.
Above-normal temperatures are the result of El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, which are strengthening.
A total of 7.8 inches of snow pushed the season total above the average of 4.4 inches
Winter storms in D.C. were so intense last week that government officials had to call for a snow day
States from California to Maine are forecast to see above-average temperatures, while most northern states are trending toward warmer-than-normal temperatures.
Most southern states have an equal chance of a warmer winter, while no states are in the less likely zone.
This season’s El Niño is somewhat favored by the Climate Prediction Center ‘historically strong‘.
Temperatures in DC are expected to drop dramatically starting tomorrow – with a high of 57 degrees.
After the weekend, temperatures will return to highs in the mid to upper 40s and lows in the mid 30s.