Drought conditions envelop the Nation’s Capital

WASHINGTON — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows most of the Mid-Atlantic Region is experiencing “abnormally dry” conditions, with Washington, D.C. being a part of a smaller area that's experiencing even more significant “moderate drought” conditions. 

These conditions are the direct result of an extended period of unusually dry weather in Washington, D.C. 

Since last August, seven of the last eight months have been drier than average in D.C.

December 2022 was D.C.’s only wetter than average month over the last eight months.

Consequently, the rainfall deficit at National Airport has swelled to 7.86” for the period of August 1, 2022 – April 18, 2023. The D.C. metro area has also seen a rainfall deficit of between 3” and 5” since January. This deficit will only continue to grow without any rain in the forecast for Washington, D.C. this weekend, according to the WUSA9 weather team.

NOAA’s precipitation outlook over the next two weeks calls for near average rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Average rainfall is ordinarily a good thing. However, with worsening drought conditions and a growing rainfall deficit, merely average rainfall isn’t enough. Unless the D.C. has a wetter than average May, drought conditions will continue to expand into the summer months.

It would take above average rainfall over a long period of time to make up enough of the rainfall deficit to alleviate the drought conditions. The good news is, according to NOAA, D.C.’s three wettest months of the year on average are May, June and July.

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