Lightning Strikes Monuments — The brief New Year’s Eve thunderstorm produced lightning strikes that could be seen striking the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. [Bluesky, Bluesky]

Metro Steps Up Security — “On behalf of the Metro Transit Police Department, we are deeply saddened by the devastating events in New Orleans, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this senseless tragedy. While there are no known threats to Metro, MTPD has heightened security across the system out of an abundance of caution. Customers may notice an increased police presence as a result.” [Twitter]

Group Raises $30k for Nonprofits — The Arlington chapter of The Links, Incorporated, presented $30,000 in grants to support nonprofit organizations at its “Holiday Jingle & Mingle” celebration. “This is about more than grants — it’s about building relationships and creating pathways for change,” said Lavern Chatman, the organization’s community-partnerships chair. [Arlington Links]

D.C. Office Vacancy Ticks Down — “D.C.’s office vacancy rate is on track to decline — ever so slightly — for the first time in years, according to fresh quarterly numbers from real estate services firm JLL, though whether this about-face evolves into a trend is still to be determined. The District’s vacancy rate fell to 19.9% in the fourth quarter, down from 20% last quarter.” [WBJ]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 40 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 11 to 16 mph and gusts up to 28 mph. For Thursday night, the conditions will be mostly clear with a low temperature around 29 degrees and a west wind at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]

Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar

New Year’s County Closures — Arlington County offices, community centers, libraries and other facilities will be closed Wednesday for New Year’s Day. Libraries are also closing early today (Tuesday). Parking meters will not be enforced on Wednesday. [Arlington County]

Attempted Robbery in Pentagon City — “At approximately 7:10 p.m., the female victim was in the bathroom of a commercial property when she was approached by four female suspects who physically assaulted her and attempted to steal the victim’s shopping bags and jewelry. The victim ran out of the bathroom and the suspects followed. A security guard intervened, and all four suspects fled the scene on foot.” [ACPD]

Year of Record Warmth — “With 2024 mostly in the rearview, another year enters the weather books — one that will be remembered for persistent and record-breaking warmth, recurrent drought and several significant weather events… And it’s now official: Cooler December weather couldn’t keep the year from becoming the city’s warmest on record.” [Capital Weather Gang]

It’s Tuesday — Expect showers and possible thunderstorms from 1pm to 4pm, intensifying after 4pm with a high of 58°F and southeast winds at 5-11 mph, gusting to 20 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, with rainfall amounts ranging between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. On Tuesday night, showers mainly before 7pm with a low around 42°F, and a west wind at 9 mph. New Year’s Day will be mostly sunny, breezy, and with a high near 48°F, accompanied by a west wind at 11-20 mph, gusting up to 34 mph. [NWS]