Weather

Counting down the hours until my trip to Washington. Trying to decide what to pack but looking at some weather sites it seems to be mixed. Could someone direct me to the most reliable weather site please.

We are leaving Ireland during 'warm' weather. Typical!

For reliable weather information in Washington DC, it’s best to consult official sources or widely respected meteorological services that update forecasts frequently. Washington’s weather can be unpredictable, especially when traveling from a milder climate like Ireland.

Recommended sources for accurate weather forecasts:

  • National Weather Service (NWS): The official US government weather site provides accurate, up-to-date forecasts, including hourly and 7-day outlooks, alerts, and radar. Visit weather.gov and search for Washington DC.
  • Weather.com (The Weather Channel): Provides detailed daily and hourly forecasts, along with temperature trends, precipitation chances, and historical averages.
  • AccuWeather: Offers local DC forecasts, including real-feel temperatures, extended 15-day forecasts, and notifications for severe weather.
  • Windy.com: Great for detailed visualizations of temperature, wind, and precipitation patterns, especially if you plan to be outdoors sightseeing.

Packing tips for Washington DC based on typical seasonal patterns:

  • Layered clothing is key—temperatures can fluctuate between morning and evening.
  • Bring a light waterproof jacket or umbrella as sudden rain showers are common in spring and fall.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since DC involves a lot of walking between monuments, museums, and streets.
  • If traveling in winter, include warm layers, gloves, and scarves; summers require sun protection and breathable fabrics.

Checking the weather on the day before travel and the morning of your departure can help fine-tune your packing decisions. Combining the official NWS forecast with a secondary source like Weather.com or AccuWeather provides the most reliable guidance for your trip.


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