A drought watch went into effect throughout the D.C. area today (Wednesday), responding to below-average rainfall and historically low flow in the Potomac River.
Despite the stretch of wet weather that the region received last month, all of Arlington is currently classified in either “moderate” or “severe” drought, while some portions of the Potomac Basin have been designated in “extreme drought.”
For much of August and September so far, the weather has been great.
With the exception of a couple of rainy days, we’ve been enjoying dry weather with comfortable temperatures for nearly a month.
The biggest downside of this streak of nice weather is a worsening drought in the region.
After a very dry August & start to September, drought conditions have returned to much of the area. With little to no rain expected over the next 7-10 days expect further expansion of drought across the region. For more info visit: https://t.co/MP9jYThP7J. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/Fn47fSkwin
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) September 11, 2025
Drought update: DC's western suburbs have been downgraded from "abnormally dry" to "moderate drought" in the federal government's latest U.S. Drought Monitor, issued today (Thursday). Rain prospects aren't great in the short term. More details: https://t.co/O5ePGELlht pic.twitter.com/0mkvVdWcGg
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) September 11, 2025
Another potential downside, at least in the eyes of some? Decreased productivity.
This late August/early September weather pattern is familiar to many who’ve lived in the area for awhile, and we often associate it with the lazy last days of pre-Labor Day summer.
But with the good times extending into mid-September, there may be some out there who have yet to shake off summer vacation mode and kick into the usual higher fall gear. And why not — maybe staying in summer mode helps some delay the full onset of seasonal affective disorder.
Admittedly, this is a highly vibes-based theory, and probably doesn’t apply to many. But there’s also some research behind why one might be less productive when rainy days are few and far between.
Does any of this describe you? Are you not getting as much done — at home, at work, or both — as usual, perhaps as a result of the temptation to be outside and active instead? Or are you unaffected by the sunny September bliss outside and staying as productive as usual? Let’s find out.
A regional drought watch that has been in effect across the D.C. area since July 2024 has officially been lifted.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced the decision today, citing improved water supplies thanks to late spring rains and — for awhile, at least — cooler temperatures. The region has returned to the normal stage of the Regional Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan, COG said.
Arlington and the D.C. area remain under a drought watch as the region faces its driest spell in at least a century and a half.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced today that the watch, initially declared in July, will continue through the fall and winter months. This marks the first regional drought watch since 2010, affecting nearly 6 million residents across the D.C. metro area.
The Washington region is officially under a Drought Watch.
Weeks of high heat and below normal rainfall have led to drought conditions and a call to conserve water in order to protect the area’s water supply.
Arlington County — along with neighboring Fairfax County — is under a drought warning advisory.
That’s according to the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which says that the recent heat combined with a lack of rain has made matters worse.
Arlington Has Been ‘Abnormally Dry’ — From the National Weather Service: “The latest Drought Monitor released shows an expansion of drought conditions across Virginia, the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, District of Columbia, and parts of Maryland. Abnormal dryness now encompasses most of the region.” [Twitter]
Introducing Commenter Badges — We’re giving the comment section an early Christmas present by rolling out new commenter badges. Earn badges by — among other things — accumulating 50 or more upvote on a comment, by posting useful corrections on an article, or by joining the ARLnow Press Club (members should reply to the morning email with your Disqus user name to request this). In all, there are a total of eight badges. [Disqus]
It’s Columbus Day — Despite the federal holiday, all Arlington County government offices, courts, libraries and facilities will be open today. Barring breaking news, ARLnow will be publishing on a limited schedule today. [Arlington County]
Theft from Casual Adventure — From an Arlington County Police crime report: “At approximately 11:35 a.m. on October 10, police were dispatched to the late report of a larceny. Upon arrival, it was determined that an unknown suspect entered a business at approximately 5:30 p.m. on October 9, selected numerous fleece jackets before fleeing the scene without paying.” [Arlington County]
‘Moderate Drought’ in Arlington — “A significant lack of rainfall and unusual late season heat has led to flash drought conditions across a large portion of the area.” [Twitter]
Extended Closures Expected at Local Metro Stations — “The next round of work is scheduled to include platform repairs and other station upgrades at Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church, East Falls Church, West Hyattsville, Prince George’s Plaza, College Park and Greenbelt…. In summer 2021, Metro plans closures or long-term single tracking… at Arlington Cemetery on the Blue Line in Virginia; and Reagan National Airport on the Blue and Yellow Lines.” [WTOP]
