Expect slightly cooler weather in August while D.C. struggles with its infamous summer humidity. The good news, according to local meteorologists, is that nothing can be as bad as last month — an especially hot July that saw temperatures climb about five degrees higher per day than the month’s 80-degree average at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
July is traditionally the hottest month of the year in the District, according to Jason Elliot, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
“I see some pretty hot days ahead, but there aren’t as many of them,” Elliot said.
The average daily temperature in August is 79.1 degrees, about two degrees cooler than the average July, but temperatures this month likely will continue to be hotter than usual — even though the region has had a break from the 90-degree heat the last several days, according to Accuweather meteorologist Carl Erickson.
Humidity will decide whether or not it’s possible to go outside without sweating profusely, he said.
“While we might not see relief as far as temperatures go, we’ll have more opportunities to get the dry heat,” Erickson said.
By the end of the month, temperatures will start to drop significantly, but locals still know the heat can be insufferable, said Michael O’Rourke, an Arlington resident who has planned a weeklong work vacation to Cape Cod in the middle of August.
“That’s why Congress decided to get out of town in August in the first place. The city is built on a swamp!” O’Rourke said. “That’s why it’s so humid.” – Ben Giles
