With highs forecast to flirt with the century mark Wednesday and Thursday, DC's total of 100-degree days this year could climb even higher up the record books.
DC currently has four days at or above 100 degrees, tied for the eighth-most in any year since modern records began in 1872. A fifth 100-degree day would move this year into a tie for sixth, while six would tie for fourth.
Years with as many or more 100s than 2026
2026 has 4; these years matched or exceeded that mark.
If DC reaches 100 on Wednesday, it would also tie the record for the most 100-degree days through July 15—the midpoint of meteorological summer—with five, set in 2012.
This year is also on pace to join a select group in another way. Twelve years have recorded three separate 100-degree heat waves, with cooler periods in between. This summer appears poised to become the 13th.
Also consider:
- Eleven days at or above 95 degrees already matches the full-season average.
- With 25 days at or above 90, this week's heat should push the total past 30 by late week. The seasonal average is about 40, and 90-degree days often continue well into September.
- Summer's average temperature of 79.5 degrees through Monday is tied for the fifth warmest on record to this point.
It's shaping up to be one of the hottest summers in recent memory. And with forecasts increasingly pointing to a strong El Niño this winter, it's worth noting that the following summer is often the one that brings the most relentless heat.
