Showers and thunderstorms overnight bring the potential of flooding to parts of the D.C. area. Here’s what you need to know.
- A flood watch has been issued for the D.C. area starting at 4 a.m. Tuesday until the afternoon.
An area of low pressure is expected to develop along a slow-moving boundary draped across the region Tuesday morning through early Tuesday afternoon. Heavy showers and a few
thunderstorms are expected to drop 2 to 3 inches across much of the watch area, with isolated higher amounts up to 5 inches possible in the heaviest cells, the National Weather Service said.
“The culprit is a slow-moving cold front that will sag into the WTOP listening area (Monday) evening and tonight,” Storm Team4 meteorologist Steve Prinzivalli said.
Showers and storms will spread eastward through the evening, with temperatures dropping from the 80s into the 70s.
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The rain will become steadier through Monday night, with rumbles of thunder into early Tuesday, as a low pressure center slides along the front.
A cluster of heavy showers are currently moving northward away the DC Beltway toward I-70 outside Baltimore. These showers will lead to significant reductions in visibility. While short in duration, these showers may dump a quick 1-1.50″ of rain. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/tn62BfigcL
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) September 5, 2022
The best chance of heavier rain will be in the western suburbs along and west of the Blue Ridge, and that’s where there is a flood watch into Tuesday morning for 1 to 2 inches of rain, with higher amounts up to 5 inches locally.
The rain will diminish to showers Tuesday afternoon with cooler-than-average highs near 80 in the wake of the cold front.
Wednesday will also be gray and unsettled with the front south of D.C. There may be a leftover shower or two with highs in the upper 70s.
High pressure will finally slide southward into the area by Thursday, bringing drier air and some sun with highs near 80.
Friday looks terrific with sunshine and highs in the lower 80s, Prinzivalli said.
Forecast
Monday night: A steadier rain developing and spreading eastward across the area. Flooding possible, especially in the far west. Lows in the upper 60s in the suburbs to the lower 70s in D.C.
Tuesday: Some heavy rain in the morning, tapering to showers in the afternoon. Highs near 80 degrees.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a stray shower or two possible, mainly early. Highs in the upper 70s
Thursday: Clouds giving way to some sun. Highs near near 80 degrees.
Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. Highs in the lower 80s.
