Heavy clouds, storms blanket the DC area as wet weather returns

Keep your rain gear nearby. Wet weather is expected to return on Wednesday throughout the D.C. region. Here’s what you need to know.

It will be a cloudy day with a chance of some scattered showers and thunderstorms and temperature highs in the mid-80s.

“Keep that umbrella or rain jacket on hand. You’ll need it at times,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff said.

3:05 PM Radar Imagery: Showers and embedded thunderstorms will continue to track toward the east-northeast this afternoon. Locally heavy rain is the primary threat, although cannot rule out an isolated risk for flash flooding. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/18Uk1TGMok

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 24, 2024

Temperatures will drop into the 70s in the evening as there will be a chance of isolated rain starting after 4 p.m.

“The severe weather risk is low, but not zero,” added 7News Meteorologist Steve Rudin.

Thursday night will remain mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms dissipating around midnight.

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A cold front will enter the region on Thursday, bringing with it gusty winds and cooler temperatures peaking in the 70s. The off-and-on showers will continue as there will be stronger storms and heavy downpours through the afternoon.

Ahead of the front, temperatures will steadily decline from the low 90s as clouds cover the area.

But it will be sunny on Friday and during the weekend as there will be lower humidity levels.

FORECAST

WEDNESDAY:
Mostly cloudy, chance for rain, storms
Highs: 85-90
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Plan for more clouds than sun today and higher humidity than yesterday. You’ll also want to keep the rain gear on hand, as showers are possible at any point throughout the day.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
Mostly cloudy, isolated shower chance
Lows: 70-77
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
It will be another cloudy, mild and muggy night with a slight chance for a passing shower.

THURSDAY:
Mostly cloudy, showers and storms likely
Highs: Mid-80s
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
This will be our last unsettled day before a welcome change. A cold front will approach bringing higher chances for showers and storms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. The Storm Prediction Center has a good portion of the DMV under the Level 1 out of 5 ‘Marginal Risk’ category for the potential for damaging winds in cells that develop. High rainfall rates could also lead to isolated flooding.

FRIDAY:
Sunny to partly cloudy
Highs: 85-88
Winds: North 5-10 mph
Behind Thursday’s cold front, expect lower humidity and drier weather to round out the week. It will be a comfortable morning in the 60s followed by afternoon highs in the mid to upper 80s under a mix of sun and clouds.

LAST WEEKEND OF JULY:
Fantastic weather is expected for the upcoming weekend. Expect partly to mostly sunny skies on both Saturday and Sunday with daytime highs around 90 degrees, which is seasonal for this time of year. Morning temperatures will be very comfortable in the 60s. The best part is humidity levels will be low, so it should feel comfortable for your outdoor plans.