NEWS

Why the DMV Has Been Feeling More Tropical Than Ever

By DA FRONT PORCH

Estimated Read Time: 2 Minutes

If you've been saying, "This feels like Miami," you're not alone. The DMV has been serving up steamy heat, surprise sunshine, and downpours that make it feel more like South Florida than the Mid-Atlantic.

So what's going on?

Think of the atmosphere like a giant sponge. As temperatures rise, the air holds more moisture. When that sponge gets full, it releases heavy rain. Add moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, and you've got a recipe for tropical-style afternoons.

If DJ Khaled were giving the weather report, it might sound like this:

"Sunny skies... ANOTHER ONE!"

"Thunderstorm at 3 p.m... ANOTHER ONE!"

"Humidity at 90%... WE THE BEST!"

"Five minutes later, sunshine again... ANOTHER ONE!"

That's because the weather keeps dropping hit after hit, remix after remix. One minute you're reaching for sunglasses, the next you're sprinting to the car through a downpour.

Scientists say a warming atmosphere can hold more water vapor, making heavier rain events more common across the eastern U.S. The DMV isn't becoming Miami, but it is getting more days that feel surprisingly tropical.

DA FRONT PORCH TAKE: Until the weather drops its next album, keep an umbrella, sunglasses, and patience on standby. Because around the DMV this summer, every time the clouds roll in... DJ Khaled is somewhere yelling, "ANOTHER ONE!"