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Washington, D.C./Topography

From Wikimania 2012 • Washington, D.C., USA
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Topography

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal passes through the Georgetown neighborhood.

Washington, D.C. has a total area of 68.3 square miles (177 km2), of which 61.4 square miles (159 km2) is land and 6.9 square miles (18 km2) (10.16%) is water. The District is no longer 100 square miles (260 km2) due to the retrocession of the southern portion of the District back to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1846. The District's current area consists only of territory ceded by the state of Maryland. Washington is therefore surrounded by the states of Maryland to the southeast, northeast, and northwest and Virginia to the southwest. The District has three major natural flowing streams: the Potomac River and its tributaries the Anacostia River and Rock Creek.

The highest natural point in the District of Columbia is Point Reno, located in Fort Reno Park in the Tenleytown neighborhood, at 409 feet (125 m) above sea level. The lowest point is sea level at the Potomac River.

Approximately 19.4% of Washington, D.C. is parkland, which ties New York City for largest percentage of parkland among high-density U.S. cities.

Climate

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated around the city each spring.

Washington is located in the humid subtropical climate zone, exhibiting four distinct seasons.

Spring and fall are warm, while winter is cool. Summers are hot and humid with a July daily average of 26.2°C (79.2°F) and average daily relative humidity around 66%. The combination of heat and humidity in the summer brings very frequent thunderstorms, some of which occasionally produce tornadoes in the area.

The highest recorded temperature was 41°C (106°F) on July 20, 1930, and August 6, 1918.

Expected weather during the conference

The average temperature in July is 79.2 °F (26.2 °C), with high (66%) humidity.
July mean temperature - maximum 31.28°C (88.3°F)
July mean temperature - minimum 20.17°C (71.1°F)
July mean total precipitation 93  mm (3.66 inches)

Be prepared

  • Due to the warm and sticky nature of Washington in the summer, dress in light clothing that breathes easily and will be comfortable during the warm days.
  • Bring sunscreen to avoid sun damage and sunburns.
  • Wear a good pair of walking shoes. DC is a very walkable city.
  • Bring a rain jacket or small umbrella, in case you are stuck in the rain!