WASHINGTON — While that may seem unusual, 80 degrees is not that uncommon this time of year. D.C. is due for its first 80-degree weather of the year right around March 31, according to an average of data from the National Weather Service.
A rather warm weather pattern continues this week, especially as the jet stream surges north Thursday and Friday. This will allow warm air to surge our way. Combined with gusty winds, temperatures are likely to rise to or above 80 degrees by Friday in the D.C. area.
Based on 1990 to 2020 data from National Airport, D.C. on average will reach or exceed 80 degrees on March 31. The earliest occurrence of 80 or warmer in that period happened just three years ago when D.C. reached a toasty 82 on Feb. 21, 2018.
Our last 80-degrees or warmer was on Oct. 22, 2020. The latest occurrence of our first 80-degree day? May 1st, 1997.
The date of the first 80 can vary widely. But, looking back at records gives us a good clue as to when 80 is likely to occur. All but three of the last 30 years we’ve achieved our first 80 of the year in March or April. Most of those have happened in the final days of March or the first week or two of April.
For you summer lovers, you'll likely have to wait a while longer before our first 90 of the year. The average date for that is May 15.
For the latest updates on weather in the DMV, click here to view the forecast.
