Jason Samenow
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Jason Samenow is weather editor for the Washington Post, and chief meteorologist for the Post's Capital Weather Gang blog
Articles by Jason Samenow
DC region slashes ozone pollution, meets federal air quality standard
After decades of efforts to reduce pollution, the DC region has finally met federal air quality standards for ozone. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced Thursday that the region is now in compliance with the 2015 federal ozone standard and has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for formal recognition. If the EPA approves, the region will officially be recognized as meeting federal ozone standards under the Clean Air Act, rather than falling short of them.
Boom or bust? Five experts reveal their DC winter snow predictions
Forecasts range from just 3.3 to 25.5 inches, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding a potentially historic El Niño winter.
Mid-Atlantic beaches brace for another nor’easter and days of coastal flooding
For the second time in less than a month, a nor'easter is poised to batter Atlantic beaches from North Carolina's Outer Banks to coastal New Jersey this week. But unlike September's storm, this one will probably remain far enough offshore to spare areas farther inland from significant rain and wind. The DC area will likely remain mostly sunny, even as the storm churns up waves exceeding 20 feet over the open ocean.
DC area wakes up to coldest morning of fall so far
Minimum temperatures Monday morning were a touch lower than Sunday in most locations, making it the coldest morning of the fall so far. Lows in the mid-30s were widespread west of Interstate 95, while temperatures generally settled in the upper 30s and low 40s to the east. In the mountains, readings dipped into the upper 20s and low 30s. At the region's three major airports, lows were 42 at Reagan National, 36 at Dulles International and 35 at BWI Marshall.
DC-area forecast: A sunny, splendid week as a storm meanders offshore
"Fall leaves" by Delilah, first-grader at Laytonsville Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Delilah/CW Kids Art Showcase) Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists. Happening now: Frosty 30s for many heading out early before sunshine quickly warms us to near 60 by midday. A bit of a breeze this afternoon, with highs in the low to mid-60s.
DC area wakes up to chilliest morning of fall, with widespread 30s in suburbs
Washingtonians awoke to the chilliest air of the season so far Sunday, with widespread lows in the 30s away from the city center and larger bodies of water. Temperatures dipped into the mid- to upper 30s across much of suburban Washington, with a few spots falling into the low 30s. Closer to downtown and along the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, lows were generally in the low to mid-40s.
Photos: UFO-like clouds and menacing skies dazzle DC area
At the end of what may have been the last summerlike day of 2026, the sky put on quite a show. As showers and thunderstorms developed and approached the DC area Friday evening, some remarkable cloud formations appeared overhead. First, skywatchers spotted a disc-shaped cloud resembling a UFO. What they were actually seeing was a pileus cloud — a smooth, cap-like cloud that forms above a rapidly growing thunderstorm as rising air cools and moisture condenses.
Friday evening storms could turn severe before temperatures plunge
A powerful cold front will abruptly end a summerlike Friday with a brief but potentially intense line of gusty showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will tumble and winds will howl after the front passes, setting the stage for a blustery Saturday and frosty start to Sunday.
DC's remarkable heat records since 2010
A fiery sky on the morning of Oct. 14, when DC reached 90 degrees on the latest date on record. (Jeannie in Georgetown/Flickr) Published: Today, 10:58 pm | {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to X {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Bluesky {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Facebook {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to LinkedIn {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share by email | Sign in Washington, DC, has experienced no shortage of exceptional warmth since 2010.
Photos: 12 magical early fall scenes from the DC area
View from the Washington Monument on Oct. 12. (angela n./Flickr) Published: Today, 9:24 am Last updated: Today, 9:31 am | {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to X {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Bluesky {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Facebook {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to LinkedIn {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share by email | Sign in Early fall in DC is underrated. Sure, the fall foliage is only beginning to emerge, and the most colorful days are still ahead.
Photos: Stunning ‘space jellyfish’ glows over DC area Tuesday morning
Sky-watchers across the DC region were treated to a spectacular sight early Tuesday morning as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch produced a glowing “space jellyfish” in the predawn sky. The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., at 6:33 a.m., carrying supplies to the International Space Station. Minutes later, its illuminated exhaust plume created a brilliant, jellyfish-shaped display visible across the region. Falcon 9 rocket seen over DC.
Isaias soaked the DC area. Here's how much rain fell
The remnants of Hurricane Isaias soaked the DC region from late Saturday into early Monday, producing widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches. The heaviest totals of 2 to 3 inches generally fell west of the Beltway, with amounts climbing to 2 to 5 inches in the mountains. Some locations in the Blue Ridge and eastern panhandle of West Virginia recorded more than 3 inches. Rainfall in Purcellville, Virginia late Sunday afternoon.
DC-area forecast: Warming trend starts the week, sharp cooldown ends it
Colorful sunrise over the National Mall viewed from Arlington, Virginia on Saturday. (Brian Paeth/Flickr) Published: Today, 5:00 am | {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to X {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Bluesky {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Facebook {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to LinkedIn {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share by email | Sign in Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists.
So far, the remnants of Hurricane Isaias have produced abundant rainfall in the DC area, with amounts ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 inches through 10 a.m. Sunday. The storm's second act could bring a few severe thunderstorms late Sunday afternoon and evening, especially in the southern half of the region. One or more brief tornadoes somewhere in the area cannot be ruled out.
Isaias's remnants are headed for DC. Here's how much rain to expect.
Isaias strengthened into the season's first major hurricane, reaching Category 3 intensity in the central Gulf of Mexico this morning. It's expected to make landfall tonight along the western Florida Panhandle, probably near Pensacola. The storm is then forecast to race northward and eastward, bringing rain to large parts of the eastern United States this weekend, including the DC area. As the storm comes ashore and moves inland, its winds will gradually weaken.
AccuWeather predicts below-normal snowfall for DC area this winter
Big El Niños sometimes mean big winter snows, but AccuWeather isn't buying it. In its winter outlook released Wednesday, it forecasts below-normal snowfall for the DC area and many major cities in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The outlook says the historically intense El Niño will be the "dominant" force influencing the winter weather pattern. Strong El Niños tend to produce above-normal precipitation along the East Coast, but cold air can sometimes be limited.
Photos: Moon hides Jupiter in a spectacular early-morning show
Early risers had a special treat Tuesday morning, when the waning crescent moon passed in front of Jupiter, briefly hiding the giant planet from view. Astronomers call this an occultation. For observers in the DC area, Jupiter began disappearing behind the moon’s bright edge around 4:20 a.m. Eastern time and reappeared from behind its dark edge around 5:24 a.m. Jupiter with the moons Io (right) and Ganymede (left) early Tuesday, imaged through a telescope.
Winter outlook models favor a wet pattern. But will it be white?
The start of meteorological winter (defined as December through February) is less than two months away, and we're getting plenty of questions about what kind of weather to expect. Interest is particularly high because of the historically intense El Niño climate pattern, which could mean all sorts of mischief. Big El Niños have brought both blockbuster blizzards and virtually snowless winters to the DC area.
DC dips into the 40s for first time this fall
It was a classic, crisp fall morning. Lows dipped into the 40s throughout the area, with even some 30s in our colder spots. Reagan National Airport, DC's official weather observing site, fell to 49 degrees, its lowest temperature since May 12, when it was 46. The average first fall instance of a low in the 40s is right around Oct. 6. Last year, it hit 49 for the first time on Oct. 16.
DC awakens to coolest morning of the season, with widespread 40s
Under clear skies and diminishing winds, temperatures dipped into the 40s across most of the DC area early Tuesday. Away from DC's city center and the Potomac River, lows were mostly in the low to mid-40s. Around downtown and near the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay, lows ranged from the upper 40s to mid-50s. A few of the colder spots north of the Beltway in Montgomery County even slipped into the upper 30s.
DC-area forecast: The nicest week in months is here
Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists. Happening now: Breezes diminish a little this evening as temperatures fall into and through the 60s. SHOW RADAR & ALERTS MAP Hover a warning for details 👆Tap a warning for details Radar Warnings Mark location What’s next? Crisp but gorgeous tomorrow, with highs near 65. Then, sunny and dry weather through Saturday, with highs mostly in the 70s. Forecast in detail Tonight: The coolest night of the fall so far.
DC’s October outlook: Summer steps aside for sweater weather and sunny afternoons
After a summerlike start, October should bring DC plenty of mild afternoons and cool nights, with temperatures near to slightly above normal and rainfall near to slightly below normal. The view from the Capitol on Oct. 1.
Following ‘second summer,’ fall crispness is just days away
We’re poised to hit 80 today and could make a run at 90 on Friday. But this dose of “second summer” won’t last long. A cooler pattern arrives this weekend, bringing fall-like temperatures for much of next week. Starting Saturday, highs will mostly range from the 60s to near 70. With the average high slipping through the low 70s this time of year, that’s a little cooler than normal. Predicted high and low temperatures over the next 10 days from a blend of computer models.
Five predictions for fall in DC, from foliage to the first snow
Five predictions for fall in DC, from foliage to the first snow D.C.’s fall outlook favors mild weather, slightly delayed and uneven foliage, coastal storm threats, and little reason to expect an early freeze or snow.
Photos and videos: Nor’easter pounds Maryland, Delaware beaches
A powerful early-season coastal storm — or nor’easter — hammered the Maryland and Delaware beaches Saturday. The massive storm prompted high wind warnings, coastal flood warnings, and high surf and rip current advisories, which expired between Sunday and Monday. Satellite view of the Nor'easter Saturday morning.
DC-area forecast: Gradual clearing as temperatures climb this week
Clouds and peeks of blue sky over the pond at Constitution Gardens early Friday morning. (Jeannie in Georgetown/Flickr) Published: Today, 5:00 am Last updated: Today, 11:58 am | {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to X {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Bluesky {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Facebook {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to LinkedIn {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share by email | Sign in Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists.
The Nor'easter that flung bands of rain through the DC region over the weekend is gradually moving away. The storm mostly spared the Beltway area from its worst effects, which were concentrated along the coast. There, fierce winds battered the coast, while large waves and ocean surge inundated low-lying communities. Below, we summarize some key stats from the storm. Rainfall Observed rainfall from Nor'easter. (National Weather Service) Rainfall totals generally increased from southwest to northeast.
The strong nor’easter meandering off the Mid-Atlantic coast has flung waves of rain into the DC area since Saturday afternoon. Additional showers are likely into Sunday evening before the storm pulls away. Rainfall amounts so far have come pretty close to predictions. About 0.25 to 0.5 inches has fallen in the Beltway area, with amounts increasing to the east and northeast. West of the Beltway, 0.1 to 0.25 inches has been most common.
Weekend rain chances from nor’easter increase in DC area
Computer models are coming into better agreement that a major coastal storm — or nor’easter — will track close enough to the coast this weekend to bring at least some showers to the DC area, including areas west of Interstate 95. There is even a chance of a period of steady rain, depending on how close the storm comes. Because our area will lie on the southwest edge of the storm, it is difficult to say where meaningful rainfall amounts will cut off.
A developing nor’easter off the Mid-Atlantic coast is gaining strength, with its winds pushing water toward shore and raising water levels across the region. Coastal flood advisories and warnings are in effect along the western shores of much of the tidal Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, while warnings extend along much of the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to New Jersey, including the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware beaches. The alerts remain in effect into Friday night.
DC area wakes up to chilliest morning of the season
A flow of chilly air from the north helped drop temperatures to their lowest levels of the season Thursday morning. Lows ranged from the mid-40s to mid-50s around the region, about 5 to 10 degrees below normal. At Reagan National Airport, the temperature dipped to 53 degrees — the chilliest since May 23, when it was 52. Many locations in DC's northern and western suburbs fell into the mid- to upper 40s. Friday morning will be comparably chilly before low temperatures moderate into next week.
DC area sees one of its wettest stretches of the year
Atmospheric disturbances riding along a stalled front have produced waves of rain since Monday afternoon — resulting in one of the five wettest stretches of the year. Much of the rain is now tapering off, but not before producing widespread totals of 1 to 3 inches across the area. At the region's major airports since Monday, totals reached 1.59 inches at Reagan National, 1.87 inches at Dulles International and 1.37 inches at BWI Marshall International.
‘Monster’ El Niño reaches record strength by key measure
By an important measure, the ongoing El Niño event — still strengthening — is the most intense ever recorded. The climate pattern — characterized by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean — is supercharged this year, pushing ocean temperatures beyond anything previously measured.
What is the fall equinox — and why it matters
Astronomical autumn begins with the fall equinox, the moment when Earth’s tilt relative to the sun places neither hemisphere in favor. This year, it will occur at 8:05 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 22. Day and night are nearly equal in length, and the sun crosses the equator heading south, a sign that summer is giving way to fall. The fall equinox typically occurs on September 22 or 23, though the exact date and time vary slightly from year to year.
We declare summer over. Welcome autumn.
Autumn will officially arrive at 2:05 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday and, with a sudden shift to a cooler weather pattern, it will feel the part. With highs holding in the 70s today in DC, we can declare summer over a day early. The summery weather regime that established itself in June has exited, and now we can finally look forward to more refreshing temperatures. If it doesn't feel sufficiently fall-like today, wait until Tuesday and Wednesday, when highs are stuck in the 60s.
DC-area forecast: Less warm today with afternoon shower chances; cool and rainy Tuesday
Cloudy skies over northeast DC Sunday. (angela n./Flickr) Published: Today, 5:00 am | {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to X {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Bluesky {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to Facebook {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share to LinkedIn {shareOpen = false}, 2000)"> Share by email | Sign in Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists.
New at Capital Weather: Reader photos, weather gear and more
We’ve added a few new features and offerings to CapitalWeather.com over the past week. Here’s what’s new: Explore our reader photo gallery. Our new public photo gallery showcases images submitted through the CW App, with more added regularly. Find it in the website’s top navigation bar. Special thanks to Capital Weather intern Mohan for his hard work bringing the gallery to the site.
A gorgeous sunrise in DC, aligned with the Capitol
The rising sun over DC was quite a sight Friday morning. Its rays pierced a thin layer of fog, bathing the sky in orange. Making the scene even more spectacular, the sun was perfectly aligned with the Capitol dome as it rose. Sunrise over DC Friday morning. (Kevin Ambrose) Every year around the spring and fall equinoxes, the rising sun aligns with monuments and landmarks on the National Mall (see examples from 2013, 2017, 2019 and 2021).
What to know about fall foliage in the DC area
From the mountain vistas of Skyline Drive to the sparkling waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the DC region offers spectacular places to take in fall foliage as forests shift from summer green to a kaleidoscope of autumn color. Peak fall foliage around DC typically unfolds over five or six weeks, beginning in early October at the highest elevations of the Appalachians and gradually working its way down the mountains and east toward DC before reaching the bay and Eastern Shore in November.
DC has coolest morning since June 3
Temperatures across the region dipped into the 40s and 50s Tuesday morning, making it the coolest morning since early June. At Reagan National Airport, DC's official observing location, the low dipped to 58 degrees, the coolest since June 3, when it was 57. At Dulles Airport, the low was 52 degrees, the coolest there since it fell to 50 on June 4. Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport also dropped to 52 degrees, its lowest temperature since June 3.
DC has posted an unwelcome 50 days at or above 90 degrees this year. As we enjoy a delightful day with low humidity and highs near 80, is it safe to say we won't see 90 again until 2027? Sadly, for the many Washingtonians who are over the heat, we can't say that just yet. Temperatures will trend higher as this week progresses, and we could flirt with 90 as soon as Thursday. Some computer models suggest 90 will remain in play through the weekend.
DC-area forecast: A refreshing start to the week before it turns toasty again
Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists. Happening now: Increasing sunshine, falling humidity and a steady breeze. Afternoon highs are near 80. What’s next? Clear and crisp tonight, followed by a beautiful Tuesday. It turns warmer and somewhat more humid midweek. Late in the week, rain chances increase as a cold front approaches. Today’s daily digit — 9/10: Close to perfect with sunshine, dropping humidity, and a refreshing breeze. | 🤚 Your call?
Intensifying El Niño likely to reach ‘historic’ strength, Weather Service says
his year's burgeoning El Niño event is already the strongest on record for this time of year. In a matter of weeks, it could become the strongest observed at any time. On Thursday, the National Weather Service stated that there is a 75 percent chance El Niño will exceed the strength of all previous recorded events. The climate pattern, characterized by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, is forecast to peak in intensity during December.
Sneaky, but welcome rain drenches DC area
What was forecast to be just a passing shower early Friday turned into a slug of moderate to heavy rain in parts of the DC area, soaking early-morning commuters. The downpours generally produced around half an inch, a welcome watering given lingering dry conditions. At the airports, Reagan National received 0.68 inches, while Dulles International picked up 0.56 inches.
Today, Sept. 10, marks the climatological peak of Atlantic hurricane season, but there isn’t a single storm roaming the basin — or even a cluster of clouds under investigation for future development. “Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days,” reads the National Hurricane Center website. The quiet fits a pattern that has persisted since hurricane season began June 1.
Sunrise, sunset. Both were stellar.
September is often a great month for colorful sunrises and sunsets, and Wednesday evening and Thursday morning delivered. Wednesday evening featured spectacular crepuscular rays fanning across the sky. With the sun near or just below the horizon, distant clouds blocked some of its light while gaps allowed other beams through, creating alternating bands of light and shadow. The rays were nearly parallel, but perspective made them appear to spread outward from the setting sun.
The DC region enjoyed a lovely Labor Day weekend, with sunshine and reduced humidity. But with highs in the low to mid-80s, it wasn't exactly autumnlike. And the week ahead features highs in the 80s or higher every day. Many Washingtonians may be wondering when we will get our first real taste of fall — think highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s. Our best bet is that we'll probably have to wait another 10 to 14 days.
DC-area forecast: Stellar today and then a steady warming trend
Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists. Happening now: A refreshing morning gives way to a sunny and warm afternoon, with highs of 80 to 85. What’s next? Staying sunny through midweek as humidity gradually increases and highs approach 90. Thursday brings the next chance of showers and storms. Today’s daily digit — 9/10: The warm sunshine is an outstanding way to cap the holiday weekend. | 🤚 Your call?
How Thursday night’s DC storms became so violent — and produced nonstop lightning
After a summer marked by drought and relatively tame weather, the storms that slammed the Beltway just before midnight Thursday marked a jarring change. They were arguably the storms of the summer and, for some residents, the fiercest since the June 2012 derecho — which remains the benchmark for destructive thunderstorms in the DC area.
How Thursday night’s DC storms became so violent — and produced nonstop lightning
Fierce storms blasted DC with damaging winds, torrential rain, and extraordinary lightning, fueled by extreme atmospheric instability. By Jason Samenow and Jeff Halverson Storm damage in DC from Thursday night at Maryland Ave. and 8th St. NE.
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