Into the 90s: Monday is DC area’s first preview of summer
After unexpected shifts during the last month, high temperatures this week may give the D.C. region a little preview of a summer.
The temperature swing from Saturday’s raw rainy weather to Monday’s expected heat could be 30 degrees or more.
The National Weather Service’s Jeremy Geiger told WTOP temperatures in the region will peak in the upper 80s, possibly into the 90s for certain areas, between Monday and Wednesday.
7News First Alert Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff said Monday is expected to be the hottest day of the year, so far: “High temperatures will reach 90 in many neighborhoods, with sunshine and relatively low humidity.”
He told WTOP that the current record at Reagan National Airport for April 29 is 91, set back in 2017, “so there is a chance to tie the record.”
“Since this is the first time we’re dealing with the summerlike warmth this year, make sure you are hydrating, taking breaks in the shade, wearing sunscreen and checking on the elderly and pets,” van de Graaff said.
He said a clear and mild night is expected, with overnight lows only falling into the lower to middle 60s.
Geiger said big temperature swings during the spring are “not uncommon.” He said winds coming from the south pump some of this warmer air into the D.C. area.
In addition to air currents coming from the south, Geiger said that clear skies in the forecast will also be raising temperatures, by allowing the ground to absorb more heat.
“It’s gonna be a taste of summer, or early summer, coming in the next couple of days, particularly
on Monday,” he added.
7News First Alert Forecast
MONDAY: Mostly sunny, hot. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s.
Winds: West 5-10 mph
MONDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear. Lows in the lower to middle 60s.
Winds: Southwest 5 mph
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. Isolated evening thunderstorm. Highs in the middle to upper 80s.
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs in the low to middle 80s.
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
THURSDAY: Partly to mostly sunny. Highs in the middle to upper 80s.
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph