The D.C. area has seen the hottest day of October in its history this year, with thermometers showing 97 °F (36.1 °C) on Wednesday.
The new record was measured at Reagan National Airport, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington (NWS D.C./Baltimore).
This marked the breaking of 1941’s October 5 record which was 96 degrees.
With a current temperature of 97°, Reagan National Airport has broken the record for all time high temperature in the month of October. Previous record was 96°, which was set on October 5th, 1941. #DCwx
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) October 2, 2019
October 2’s heat also broke the previous daily record that was set as 89 °F on October 2, 1986.
Earlier in the day, daily high temperature records were broken at both Dulles Airport & BWI Airport with 91 °F and 92 °F, respectively, the NWS D.C./Baltimore announced over Twitter.
This September was the third hottest September observed in the D.C. area.
As of 11AM, daily high temperature records were broken at both Dulles Airport & BWI Airport. Dulles reached 91°, while BWI reached 92°. These both break previous daily records of 89°, set in 1986. Temperatures will continue to rise this afternoon, with monthly records possible.
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) October 2, 2019
Following the news, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a heat emergency, mobilizing cooling centers for residents who are sensitive to heat.
🚨 Heat Emergency Plan Activated🚨
🌬️ Find shade or air conditioning
💦 Drink water
☀️ Wear sunscreen
🤝 If you see someone in need of help dial 311
🐶 Check on pets
📍For cooling centers: https://t.co/42swa1TSjU
#StayCoolDChttps://t.co/QIXMlZsaKb pic.twitter.com/ux0vSxuLIL— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) October 2, 2019
“Wednesday also marked the 61st day at or above 90 in Washington in 2019, ranking as the third most on record in a calendar year, only trailing 1980 and 2010, which had 67 such days,” the Capital Weather Gang stated.