The calendar says September, but the July-like heat has been a reminder that it is still technically summertime.
And that includes a familiar seasonal event: afternoon storms, which will bring a break from the heat into the evening. Expect those through about 9 or 10 p.m. and scattered showers afterward, said Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper.
“During the evening hours, storms could be strong to severe, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and heavy rainfall as well,” she said.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop later this afternoon into the evening. Eastern portions of the forecast have the greatest risk of seeing severe weather. Damaging winds are the primary threat. pic.twitter.com/VuAE0CN9Gv
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) September 12, 2019
Thursday’s heat around the D.C. area set records for the day. The high of 98 degrees at Reagan National Airport broke the record of 96 degrees set on 1931. BWI Marshall Airport’s high of 97 broke the record of 96, also set in 1931. At Dulles International Airport, the high of 95 tied a record set in 1998.
Record-breaking Wednesday
It all follows a Wednesday that was the hottest September day in 28 years at BWI, with highs reaching 98 degrees there.
Temperatures Wednesday at Dulles did not break any all-time heat records (that being 99 degrees back in 1983). But at 94 degrees, Wednesday did mark the hottest September day (so far) this year, beating the previous high of 92 degrees.
At Reagan, no heat records were set Wednesday, with a high of only 93 degrees.
Average temperatures for this time of year are in the 70s and 80s, according to Storm Team4 meteorologist Briana Bermensolo; so it has been much hotter than it typically should be for the average September day.
Thankfully, lower temperatures are in store on Friday.
Forecast
Thursday: Potentially record-breaking heat. Afternoon and evening storms. Highs in the mid-90s.
Friday: Much cooler with highs in the low to mid 70s. Cloudy with light rain and drizzle. Dry by the evening.
Saturday: Partly sunny, warm and humid. A few evening showers are possible. Highs in the mid-80s.
Sunday: Partly to mostly sunny. Very warm and humid. Isolated showers are possible. Highs in the mid-80s to 90s.
WTOP’s Jack Pointer contributed to this report.
