Overnight showers in DC area follow gusty thunderstorms

Lingering showers are expected overnight Thursday after severe weather rolled through the D.C. region earlier in evening, bringing large hail and high winds.

The most severe weather is believed to have exited the region. Temperatures will be seasonable overnight, with lows in the 60s and patchy fog is forecast, according to the National Weather Service.

“By morning, about 60 to 65 degrees with some lingering rain showers and maybe even a rumble of thunder,” 7News First Alert meteorologist Veronica Johnson said.

The weather should dry out by late morning, with clear skies and temperatures in the 80s expected Friday afternoon.

Johnson said radar indicated large hail likely fell in Frederick County, and winds may have reached 50 mph on Thursday evening.

“It’s so slow moving,” Johnson said. “I’m tracking it at just 15 mph moving northeast.”

Johnson said the rain fell at a rate of more than 2 inches per hour; the heavy rainfall brought some puddling to roadways.

Earlier severe thunderstorm warnings in parts of Baltimore and Frederick counties in Maryland, and Loudoun County, Virginia, have expired, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service said Wednesday that the potential for thunderstorms over the next several days is highest during the afternoon and evening hours.

Earlier, 7News First Alert meteorologists had predicted that cloud cover for much of the day Thursday would limit storm chances. However, clouds gave way to sunshine earlier Thursday afternoon, opening the door for severe weather.

Thursday’s storms come after a severe thunderstorm watch was issued Wednesday afternoon into the evening. While there were some pop-up showers and storms, the D.C. area didn’t see any severe weather.

Full Forecast

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy, stray thundershowers
Highs: 82-86
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
We’ll enjoy more sunshine to round out the week and kick off the long, holiday weekend. The pattern is trending dry, but with that said, a few showers and storms could bubble up by afternoon.  Any cells that develop could bring a quick downpour with brightening skies afterward. Drier weather is expected for your Friday evening plans.

SATURDAY: Scattered showers and storms
Highs: 78-83
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely Saturday. Although it won’t be a washout, stay weather alert for any stronger storms.

SUNDAY: Partly sunny, isolated thunderstorms
Highs: Around 85
Winds: South 5-10 mph
Looking ahead to the long holiday weekend, shower and thunderstorm chances appear to be the lowest Sunday. Plan for warm highs in the middle 80s.

MONDAY: POSSIBLE ALERT, areas of rain, storms
Highs: 70s
Winds: South 5-10 mph
A robust weather maker is likely to cross the DMV at some point Memorial Day. Latest forecast trends hint during the afternoon and evening hours. Some storms will have the potential to become strong to severe with gusty winds, hail and moderate to heavy rain. 

Current weather

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Jessica Kronzer

Jessica Kronzer graduated from James Madison University in May 2021 after studying media and politics. She enjoys covering politics, advocacy and compelling human-interest stories.

Thomas Robertson

Thomas Robertson is an Associate Producer and Web Writer/Editor at WTOP. After graduating in 2019 from James Madison University, Thomas moved away from Virginia for the first time in his life to cover the local government beat for a small daily newspaper in Zanesville, Ohio.

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