Residents in the Washington, D.C. area should ready themselves for a day of potentially catastrophic weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning for thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, which could cause severe wind gusts in the region. The alert includes the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, the Tidal Potomac River, and the I-95 corridor from central Maryland and northern Virginia into the District of Columbia.
According to the most recent NWS update, today’s outlook in Washington, D.C. includes a possibility of showers after 5 p.m., with previously patchy fog clearing between 9 and 10 a.m. The city is currently enjoying overcast skies with a humid 87% environment and forecasts a cloudy day with a high at 81 degrees with south winds blowing at 10 to 17 mph, maximum at 28 mph. This evening, the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms rises to 60%, with additional rainfall amounts perhaps topping a tenth of an inch, particularly during thunderstorms.
Looking forward, the NWS anticipates showers and thunderstorms will continue until Friday before 2 p.m., with a 60% probability of precipitation and overcast conditions. The weekend forecast calls for changeable conditions, with showers possible before 2 p.m. on Saturday, followed by generally cloudy skies and southeast breezes. Sunday appears to be wetter, with a 60% chance of showers, while temperatures may drop early next week, with sunshine returning by Tuesday.
The NWS hazardous weather prediction also advises us to remain vigilant, as “spotter activation may be required this afternoon.” While the weekend should provide a little respite, the NWS’s overall message is one of caution, with weather conditions altering fast in the coming days. Residents should monitor the NWS throughout this unsettled period to stay up to date on the latest weather reports and safety cautions.
