Weather

Full Weather Report

Last updated on July 2, 2026 at 5:15 a.m.

Eileen Whelan, 7News First Alert Meteorologist

TODAY:
EXTREME HEAT WARNING
Sunny, dangerous heat
Highs: 100-105
Heat Index: 108-112
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
The most dangerous stretch of the heat wave begins. An extreme heat warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Afternoon temperatures climb to around 100 to 105, with heat index values up to 112. This is dangerous, potentially life-threatening heat for anyone spending time outdoors or without reliable air conditioning. Heat-related illness can develop quickly, especially during the afternoon and early evening. Reagan National will challenge its daily record high of 101, while Dulles is forecast to be near or above its daily record of 98. Sunshine dominates with little, if any, chance for cooling thunderstorms.

TONIGHT:
Mainly clear
Lows: 77-83
Winds: Light & Variable
Unfortunately, we don’t get much relief from the heat and humidity overnight, as low temperatures don’t fall below 80 degrees in the city. It will also remain very humid, so feels-like temperatures won’t dip below 90-degrees until well after midnight.

FRIDAY:
EXTREME HEAT WARNING
Mostly sunny, dangerous heat
Isolated PM Storms Possible
Highs: 100-106
Winds: West 5-10 mph
The dangerous heat shows no signs of letting up. An extreme heat warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with afternoon temperatures once again soaring between 100 and 105. Combined with tropical humidity, heat index values will climb as high as 112, making this another day of dangerous, potentially life-threatening conditions. Reagan National will once again challenge its daily record high of 101, while Dulles could approach or break its daily record of 103. By late afternoon and evening, the atmosphere becomes increasingly unstable, allowing isolated thunderstorms to develop. Any storm that forms could quickly become severe with damaging wind gusts, torrential rainfall, hail and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.

SATURDAY:
EXTREME HEAT WATCH TO BE ISSUED
Thunderstorm risk
Highs: around 100
Winds: West 5-10 mph
The Fourth of July remains dangerously hot with afternoon highs near or just above 100 and heat index values around 105. An extreme heat watch will be added by the National Weather Service within the next 24 hours. Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms become more likely as the weather pattern slowly weakens. Any storm that develops could produce damaging winds, torrential rain and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Reagan National will once again be near its daily record high of 100, while Dulles could challenge its daily record of 97.

FIREWORKS FORECAST:
Lingering showers and storms end
Temperatures: 90s to 80s
Winds: West 2-5 mph
Most fireworks displays should be able to proceed, but conditions will need to be monitored closely. Any thunderstorms that develop during the afternoon or evening could linger into the early nighttime hours, especially east of the Blue Ridge. Outside of storms, temperatures remain in the upper 80s to lower 90s early in the evening with very high humidity. Winds will be light, generally from the west around 2 to 5 mph, so smoke from fireworks may linger longer than usual and reduce visibility at some displays. Keep an eye on radar before heading out, as any thunderstorm could quickly produce dangerous lightning and strong wind gusts.

SUNDAY:
Scattered showers, storms
High: 95-100
Winds: West 10-15 mph
The heat wave continues, although temperatures may ease back slightly into the middle and upper 90s. Even so, humidity remains high and heat index values will still exceed 100 degrees during the afternoon. Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible, with some storms capable of producing gusty winds and heavy rainfall. While there are signs this historic stretch of heat may begin to weaken early next week, Sunday will likely be another day where heat safety remains a top concern.