On this date in 1953, the high soared to a calendar-day record of 99 degrees. It was the first of three record highs set between Aug. 30 and Sept. 3. Records of 100 and 98 were set on Aug. 31 and Sept. 3. These records occurred amid a 12-day streak with highs of 90 degrees or higher — the second-longest such streak observed so late in the year.
“Washington sweltered through its eighth straight day of 90-degree heat yesterday as the mercury hit 99.3 degrees, breaking a 72-year-old record for the day and setting a record for the summer,” the front page of The Washington Post said on Aug. 31.
Here are other notables from the day:
- Average high: 86
- Average low: 69
- Record high: 99 (1953)
- Record low: 50 (1986)
- Record rainfall: 2.01 inches (1978)
