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A pattern of scorching hot weather followed by severe afternoon and evening thunderstorms continued in the D.C. region on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know.
The National Weather Service began issuing severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Northern Virginia around 4 p.m., with storms packing up to 60 mph winds moving eastward toward the District and surrounding counties.
At 6:30 p.m., the weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 7:15 p.m. for D.C., and parts of Prince George’s, Anne Arundel and Calvert counties in Maryland, as well as parts of Arlington and Fairfax counties in Virginia.
The heavy weather first made it to the metro area around 5:30 p.m., when the weather service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 6 p.m. for D.C. and parts of Montgomery, Prince George’s and Charles counties in Maryland, as well as Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties in Virginia.
The system was packing dangerous wind gusts that the NWS said could down trees. Radar also indicated a hail threat, according to the weather service.
NWS also placed the entire D.C. region under a flood watch from 2 p.m. until midnight, which it canceled around 7:45 p.m. There was also a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m.
“Storms could bring some damaging winds as well as some moderate to heavy rain that could lead to some isolated flash flooding; can’t rule out even some small hail around the area,” 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said.
The line of storms was expected to move east toward Interstate 95 until around 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 PM EDT for areas roughly along and east of I-81. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/Z9e7ZrFbbP
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 17, 2024
Some lingering showers could last through Thursday morning.
It’s the third day in a row with late-day severe weather, and temperatures have continued to be sky high, prompting an NWS heat advisory through 8 p.m. for the D.C. area.
Reagan National Airport in D.C. and BWI Marshall Airport in Maryland both hit triple digits just after 2 p.m., marking the fourth day in a row that temperatures reached at least 100 degrees. That ties the record for the longest streak of heat, according to the National Weather Service.
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Tuesday saw actual temperatures hit 104 degrees in D.C. and at BWI Marshall in Maryland.
Heat index values Wednesday were expected to be around 105 degrees. The NWS advised people to stay hydrated and remain in air-conditioned rooms and out of the sun, if possible.
But a break in the extremely hot, stormy weather pattern is predicted to come soon.
High temperatures Thursday and Friday are forecast in the upper 80s, providing some much-needed relief from the heat.
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Cancellations
The blazing heat has led to a number of cancellations in the D.C. area.
All outdoor programming put on by Prince George’s County parks are canceled due to safety reasons, as residents are encouraged to stay cool and hydrated. However, all indoor facilities, including cooling centers and indoor pools, will be open during normal operating hours, according to the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation.
In Fairfax County, all outdoor activities on the county’s public schools’ fields are canceled until 8 p.m., including recess and recreation programs.
Full forecast
THURSDAY:
Partly sunny
Stray showers
Highs: 85-90
Winds: North 5-15 mph
As the cold front drifts away from the D.C. area, the stickiness factor will slowly diminish and become less noticeable by evening. A stray shower or two is possible as the front passes this afternoon.
THURSDAY NIGHT:
Partly cloudy, less humid, comfortable
Lows: 65-72
Winds: North 5 mph
Drier air will continue to settle into the region overnight under a partly cloudy sky. It will be a nice night to get outside for a walk.
FRIDAY:
Partly cloudy
Highs: 85-90
Winds: South 5-10 mph
We’ll round out the week with nice weather. It will be dry and seasonably warm with low humidity. This comfortable weather will take us into the upcoming weekend.
SATURDAY:
Partly sunny
Shower chances
Highs: 85-90
Winds: South 5-10 mph
While most of the day will remain dry, a chance for a passing t-shower or two cannot be ruled out. Highs for the day will range from the middle 80s to around 90 degrees.
SUNDAY:
Partly sunny
Highs: near 90
Winds: Southeast 3-5 mph
Sunday is trending dry with high temperatures at or a little above 90 degrees. Heat index values may reach the middle 90s.
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