August weather forecast
Sterling, VA

August presents the continuation of the summer season in Sterling, Virginia. Temperatures exhibit a slight drop from July, signalling the impending arrival of the fall. The high temperatures combined with reasonable humidity can result in sporadic but usually short-lived downpours, bringing a necessary respite from the heat. Despite this, the city bustles with summer activities, exploiting the warmth and extended sunlight hours. The lush greenery and bright skies provide a vibrant backdrop, making it an ideal period for sightseeing and photography.

Temperature

Sterling marks the onset of August with an average high-temperature of a moderately hot 85.6°F (29.8°C), subtly divergent from July's 87.8°F (31°C). Sterling in August experiences a low-temperature average of 66°F (18.9°C).

Heat index

The average heat index in August is appraised at a sweltering 95°F (35°C). Greater preventive actions are needed, heat exhaustion and heat cramps are likely. Persistent activity could provoke heatstroke.
Note that heat index values are valued for light wind and location in the shade. The heat index may scale up by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees with direct sun exposure.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'apparent temperature', is a metric representing the sensation of warmth when air temperature and moisture come together. A person's impression of weather can be shaped by several aspects, among them metabolic variations, pregnancy, and levels of physical activity. Consider the sun's direct rays and their impact; they can potentially increase the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are highly critical to babies and toddlers. Young individuals are generally in more danger than adults due to their lower capacity to sweat. Moreover, their large skin surface in relation to their small bodies and the increased heat generation from their activities makes them more vulnerable.
The process of perspiration is vital for the human body to get rid of excess warmth by allowing sweat to evaporate. In circumstances of high air temperature and humidity (high heat index), the body's perspiration is restricted, heightening the feeling of warmth. Heat absorption that surpasses the body's shedding capability can lead to overheating and varying levels of dehydration.

Humidity

In Sterling, the average relative humidity in August is 72%.

Rainfall

August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 16.7 days and accumulates 3.78" (96mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

In Sterling, snow does not fall in May through October.

Daylight

The average length of the day in August is 13h and 39min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:11 am and sunset at 8:20 pm. On the last day of August, sunrise is at 6:38 am and sunset at 7:41 pm EDT.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in August is 10h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high health hazard from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index, 6 during August, leads to the following recommendations:
Employ safeguards and advocate sun safety protocols. Shielding against skin and eye damage is crucial. Stay out of direct sunlight and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is strongest, but remember that shade devices may not offer full sun protection. For effective sun eye protection, rely on sunglasses certified for UVA and UVB resistance.