Severe storm risk is low but ‘not at zero’ as wet weather washes over DC area Monday

D.C.-area residents have had a gray Monday as scattered showers and thunderstorms are making their way across the region. Rain is expected to continue throughout the evening, and while severe weather isn’t likely, here’s what to look out for.

“While severe weather chances remain very low, it is not at zero,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin said Monday afternoon.

Some moments of moderate to heavy rain could lead to localized flooding, Rudin said. In the event of flooding, remember to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.

Storms are expected to make their way out of the area by midnight. In the meantime, Rudin said to expect some on-and-off showers with rumbles of thunder here and there.

While residents should stay aware of the potential for flooding brought by Monday night’s rain, Rudin described the wet weather as “much-needed” for the area.

Monday’s showers offered hardened grounds in D.C., Maryland and Virginia some reprieve from punishing, back-to-back heat waves and drought conditions.

7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff said Monday’s temperatures will top out in the 80s, but high humidity will make it feel close to 90 degrees.

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While Monday’s daylight hours have been hot and sticky, Tuesday’s temperatures and heat index values are expected to be even higher — and the D.C. region should brace for more rain, too.

7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña said high temperatures could get much closer to 90 on Tuesday and stay that way for the workweek, with constant on-and-off thunderstorm chances coming along for the ride. Tuesday’s heat index values are expected to be between 94 and 98.

But what about the drought?

Given the lack of sustained rains over the past few weeks, Peña is expecting the rainfall totals for this week to get closer to 1-2 inches of rain — a healthy amount for the area.

The highs and heat indexes are expected to stay in the 90s, Peña said, avoiding any heat related warnings.

“Thankfully, no excessive heat warnings or heat advisories (are) expected as heat index values for those criteria are anywhere from 105 to 110,” he said.

Drought conditions have also been of high concern in and around the nation’s capital. While the rain expected this week won’t end the area’s drought, Peña said this week’s storms and showers will definitely do some good for the region’s parched fields.

“While we do need more, this is a healthy amount of rain. We don’t want too much at one time,” he said. “So this one to two inches that we’re expecting over five days is absolutely going to help out the drought conditions.”

7News First Alert meteorologists are also tracking another potential spate of rain next week, though the amounts and severity of any potential storms are quite a ways out.

7News First Alert Forecast

MONDAY EVENING:
Areas of Rain, Storms
Temperatures: 70s
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue through the evening across the DMV. Pockets of moderate to heavy rain have the potential to bring localized flooding. While severe weather chances remain very low, it is not at zero.

MONDAY NIGHT:
Rain, Storms End
Patchy Fog Possible
Lows: 68-75
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Lingering showers will slowly draw to a close overnight with a chance for patchy fog early Tuesday morning.

TUESDAY:
Partly Sunny
PM Showers & Storms
Highs: 85-90
Heat Index: 94-98
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
It will be a warmer day with a bit more sunshine and heat index values over 95 degrees. Scattered showers and storms will develop during the afternoon and early evening hours.

WEDNESDAY:
Partly Sunny
Chance Rain, Storms
Highs: around 85
Heat Index: 90s
Winds: South 5-10 mph
Our humid week continues with additional chances for rain and storms. Pockets of heavy rain could lead to isolated flooding. Frequent lightning is possible in stronger storms with high winds.

THURSDAY:
Scattered Showers & Storms
Highs: 82-87
Heat Index: 88-93
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Another day of beneficial, scattered, nonsevere afternoon showers and storms. Gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning possible in the stronger storms.

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WTOP’s Kate Corliss and Ivy Lyons contributed to this report.

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