Latest Summer Forecast in Washington, D.C.: More of This Heat

Editor's note: Read this in the shade! This is an update to the region's summer forecast.

We've officially sweated off any doubt that we have entered the season of scorching temps a little early this year.

The high Saturday afternoon should reach 92 degrees. And, while we'll cool back into the 80s next week, forecasters say prepare for more sweating as we get into the summer.

We should expect above-average temperatures across the region throughout the summer. The average summer highs in Washington, D.C. are 86-87 degrees.

The reason is a blooming La Niña weather pattern across the U.S., according to Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist with The Weather Network. 

"Typically for the US, these conditions bring warmer and drier conditions to the south and cooler and wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest," he said. 

A typical summer in our region would send us over 90 degrees on 31 days in a season. This year, we should see 46 days, according to AccuWeather's summer forecast.

The extended forecast from AccuWeather puts one of our hottest days on July 4.

"July is a tricky month where there may be a few cooldowns from thunderstorms and back door fronts," AccuWeather forecaster Paul Pastelok said, predicting a series of heatwaves through August.

If you're heading southeast for vacation, know temperatures will be at about average, but a trip north will likely mean seeing record warmth for the region.

"Model guidance shows a rather dramatic reversal of the background tropical Pacific forcing signal that would favor a hot summer again, especially across the northern U.S. and especially late," said Dr. Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist.

And the hot weather won't be done with us as the summer wanes, according to Crawford.

"We expect a strongly 'back-loaded' summer with the heat continuing into September," he said.

Rainfall should be about average in D.C., according to the National Weather Service.