Washington, D.C

From Northern Lights to the Solar Eclipse – here’s DC’s 2024 natural phenomena coverage

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2024

From Northern Lights to the Solar Eclipse – here’s DC’s 2024 natural phenomena coverage

WASHINGTON – The Washington, D.C. region has experienced quite an eventful year for weather and natural phenomena – and there is surely more ahead as we get ready to enter the second half of the year.

Here’s a look back at what we’ve seen so far in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia:

Rockville Earthquake

Earthquake reported in Rockville, Maryland

A small earthquake was reported early Tuesday morning in Rockville, Maryland, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A small earthquake rattled the DMV during the first few days of 2024! The 2.3 magnitude quake was centered in the Rockville area. No damage or injuries – but it shook us up!

January Heat Record

Record-breaking heat in DC

D.C. saw its first 80°F reading ever in January on Friday. FOX 5 meteorologist has the details and your weekend forecast.

D.C. set a heat record when we saw our first 80°F reading ever in January, breaking a mark set in 2018.

Snowy DMV Winter

Snow totals for DC, Dulles, and BWI: 1st inch of DC snow in 728 days

It’s official! For the first time in nearly two years, over an inch of snow was recorded in Washington D.C.!

We had a below average winter when it comes to snowfall this year with only about 8 inches hitting the ground. While we didn’t get a historic blizzard, we did get some memorable snow days. – like in January when we saw over an inch of snow hit the ground for the first time in nearly two years!

Meteor Spotted Over Maryland

Meteor spotted over Maryland

Did you see it? A meteor was spotted over Maryland Wednesday night. Video courtesy of Donald Bradner.

Hundreds up and down the East Coast, including many in the D.C. region, reported seeing a meteor flash across the sky back in February.

Solar Eclipse 2024

Air and Space Museum holds eclipse watch event

Hundreds gathered at National Mall this afternoon to watch the historic solar eclipse. FOX 5’s Bob Barnard is out talking with DC residents and visitors about the exciting event.

People gathered at the National Mall in D.C., and in parts of Maryland and Virginia to watch the historic solar eclipse in April.

Solar Storms

In May, severe solar storms caused some to have GPS problems, and satellite communication issues.

Northern Lights

Virginia sees rare glimpse of Northern Lights

The aurora borealis was visible from higher elevation in parts of Virginia Thursday night.

Also, in May, some near our area were able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Wildfire Smoke

Canada’s wildfire smoke could impact DC region again

Right now, wildfires are burning across Canada, and over the course of the summer, that could be problematic for the District, Maryland, and Virginia. FOX 5’s Josh Rosenthal spoke to a climatologist about the issue.

Wildfires burning across Canada continued to cause problems in the Washington, D.C. region earlier this year.

Tornado Leaves 5 Injured

EF-1 tornado rips through Virginia; 5 injured

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Rixeyville, Virginia, on Sunday night, and five people who were likely taking cover in a shed were injured.

Recently, a tornado in Virginia left five people injured as severe weather moved across the area. The tornado formed from a rotating severe thunderstorm that was detected by Doppler radar in Sterling, Virginia.

Moon Will ‘Kiss’ Saturn

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Moon will ‘kiss’ Saturn on May 31 and other summer sky events to watch

On May 31, sky lovers can witness a stunning celestial event as the Moon will appear to “kiss” Saturn in the southeastern sky just before dawn, offering a rare and captivating visual spectacle for amateur astronomers and stargazers, with several other noteworthy celestial events occurring this year.

Looking ahead, sky lovers are in for a celestial treat on May 31, as the Moon will appear to “kiss” Saturn in a stunning conjunction event. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon and Saturn pass close to each other in the sky, creating a captivating visual spectacle.

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Washington, D.C

Great Mother March sets out on 500-mile pilgrimage from Asheville to Washington

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

Great Mother March sets out on 500-mile pilgrimage from Asheville to Washington

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Great Mother March has begun a 500-mile pilgrimage from Asheville, North Carolina, to Washington, D.C.

Organizers said the 32-day journey is a women’s empowerment pilgrimage inspired by the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace.

Great Mother March(Great Mother March)

“This is a universal movement,” founder Whitney Freya, an artist, author and sacred activist, said. “Everyone has a mother. Every tradition reveres a Great Mother. And we all depend on Mother Earth. This march is a call to honor those truths while reminding us what is possible when we move together, with intention, hope, and love.”

The march is expected to end April 22, Earth Day, when participants reach the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Here’s a look at the group’s route:

Great Mother March route(Google Maps/Great Mother March)

Organizers said the group will walk alongside the Appalachian Mountains through rural communities in North Carolina and Virginia, with planned stops including Black Mountain, Old Fort, Marion, Linville and Boone, North Carolina.

From there, the group plans to travel via Todd and West Jefferson, North Carolina, and the River Country Campground along the New River, to the Peace Pentagon near Independence, Virginia.

The marchers are expected to arrive in Galax, Virginia, on April 1, then continue to Hillsville, Floyd, Ferrum and Rocky Mount, arriving in Rocky Mount on April 5.

The group is expected to reach Lynchburg on April 9 and travel up U.S. 29 to Waynesboro, arriving April 12.

Organizers said the marchers plan to arrive in Charlottesville on April 13 and spend April 14 at IX Art Park to rest and prepare for the final leg to Washington.

From Charlottesville, the group plans overnight stops in Barboursville, Orange, Culpeper and Warrenton, Virginia, before arriving in Manassas on April 19. Additional stops include the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, ahead of the group’s arrival in Washington on April 22.

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Washington, D.C

US Park Police officer shot in Washington, DC

Published

22 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

US Park Police officer shot in Washington, DC

A U.S. Park Police officer was shot in Washington, D.C., while on duty, according to a statement from the agency.

Park Police said the officer was shot at 7:30 p.m. on Monday in Southeast Washington on Queens Stroll Pl.

The officer has been transported to a local hospital, officials said.

The circumstances of the shooting are unclear. A Park Police spokesperson told ABC News the officer has non-life-threatening injuries.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that she has spoken to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll and was briefed on the shooting.

“Please pray for the officer’s recovery,” the attorney general said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Washington, D.C

Exhibition Game in Washington, D.C.

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Photo by Sol Tucker/TalkNats The Washington Nationals have an exhibition game at Nationals Park against Baltimore as part of their home-and-road 2-game series with the Orioles. This is the final warm-up against another team before Opening Day in two days … Continue reading →

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