D.C. area faces a typically hot August but more rain than normal

August in Washington, D.C. is expected to be less scorching than July, which saw record-breaking heat and four days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While temperatures are projected to be near or slightly above normal, rainfall is anticipated to be more abundant, alleviating the drought conditions that intensified in July. The first half of August is predicted to bring near-normal temperatures with above-average rainfall, as indicated by both American and European model forecasts. The latter half of August might see slightly hotter temperatures, but the models diverge on rainfall predictions. However, a tendency for the jet stream to dip eastward suggests increased precipitation chances in the second half of the month. July was the fourth-hottest on record in Washington, with only nine days cooler than average and a record-breaking high of 104 degrees Fahrenheit on July 16th. While the city's airport received slightly more rain than normal, other locations in the region experienced significantly drier conditions. Overall, 2024 is currently the second-hottest year on record in Washington, trailing only 2012, with year-to-date rainfall close to normal. The combination of heat and drought in July highlights the need for consistent rainfall in the coming months to manage water resources effectively and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.