Mild Monday in DC: Expect Cooler Temperatures and Spotty Showers to Begin the Week

ómico

What is the predicted high temperature for Tuesday?

DC Weather Forecast: A Shift from Recent heat

Washington D.C. residents can breathe a sigh of relief as a significant cooldown is expected to begin today, Monday, August 18th, 2025. After a stretch of humid and hot weather, temperatures will be noticeably milder, accompanied by a chance of scattered showers throughout the day. This marks a welcome change for the nation’s capital,offering respite from the recent heatwave. Expect a shift in weather patterns impacting daily commutes and outdoor activities.

Detailed Temperature Breakdown

Hear’s a closer look at what you can expect temperature-wise throughout the day:

High: Around 78°F (26°C) – a substantial drop from the recent highs in the low 90s.

Low: Around 65°F (18°C) – providing comfortable sleeping conditions.

Feels Like: Due to increased cloud cover and potential showers, the “feels like” temperature will likely remain closer to the actual temperature, avoiding the high humidity index experienced last week.

Hourly Forecast: Temperatures will gradually decrease throughout the day, with the coolest conditions expected late this evening.

Spotty Showers: Timing and Coverage

The National Weather Service is predicting a 40% chance of showers throughout the day. These showers are expected to be spotty – meaning they won’t be widespread and some areas may remain dry.

Timing: Showers are most likely to occur between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Coverage: The highest probability of rainfall is in the northern and western suburbs of D.C., including Montgomery County, Maryland, and Fairfax County, Virginia.

Intensity: Showers are expected to be light to moderate, with brief periods of heavier rainfall possible. No severe thunderstorm warnings are currently in effect.

Rainfall Accumulation: Total rainfall accumulation is expected to be less than 0.25 inches.

Impact on Commuting & Outdoor Plans

This cooler, wetter weather will impact your Monday in several ways:

1. Traffic: Expect possibly slick roads during periods of rainfall, leading to slower commute times. Allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours. Check traffic conditions before you leave using apps like Google Maps or Waze.
2. Outdoor Events: If you have outdoor plans, be prepared for potential delays or cancellations. Check with event organizers for updates. Consider having a backup plan in case of heavier rainfall.
3. Air Quality: The rainfall will help improve air quality, washing away pollutants accumulated during the recent heatwave.
4. Wardrobe: A light jacket or sweater will be necessary, especially during the evening hours. An umbrella or raincoat is also recommended.

Long-Range Outlook: Continued Mild Conditions

The cooler temperatures and chance of showers are expected to continue for the next few days.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a high of 79°F and a 30% chance of showers.

Wednesday: Sunny with a high of 82°F.

Thursday & Friday: Continued sunshine and moderate temperatures in the low 80s.

This extended period of mild weather offers a welcome break and provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities, provided your prepared for the occasional shower.

Historical Rainfall Data for August in DC

Looking back at historical data, August in Washington D.C. typically receives around 3.75 inches of rainfall. While today’s showers won’t significantly contribute to that total, they are consistent with the average precipitation patterns for this time of year. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Governance (NOAA) shows that August 2023 experienced above-average rainfall, while August 2022 was drier than usual. This variability highlights the importance of staying updated with the latest forecasts.

Resources for Staying Informed

National Weather Service (NWS): https://www.weather.gov/

The Washington Post Weather: https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/

Local News Channels (ABC7, NBC4, FOX5):