Relief is in sight but not before the D.C. region endures one more day of intense heat Wednesday.
Temperatures will rise back to the mid- to upper 90s, but expect a slight drop in humidity Wednesday afternoon. Another heat advisory is in effect for Wednesday along the Interstate 81 corridor from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Storms are not expected but there could be a few isolated afternoon showers or storm, particularly west of the city.
A strong cold front will begin to approach from the west by Wednesday evening, setting the stage for more active weather on Thursday.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an extreme heat alert through Thursday at 8 a.m. The District has a map of cooling centers online.
A Code Orange air quality alert is also in effect for the D.C. metropolitan area Wednesday, where the air quality is particularly unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people with lung diseases, children, older adults and people who work outdoors. Officials with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments recommend limiting time spent outdoors and lessening strenuous activities.
Tuesday continued a pattern that started the workweek — hot and humid with temperatures climbing into the middle to upper 90s and heat index values reaching between 100 and 105.
A heat advisory was issued for most of northwestern Virginia and western Maryland on Tuesday, ending at 8 p.m., when 100-degree heat was forecast to linger before tapering overnight into Wednesday morning with temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees amid increasing humidity.
Hot & humid today with a few thunderstorms popping up in the Alleghenies this pm. High temps in the lower to upper 90s. High elevations will be cooler. Wed will be a few degrees hotter with afternoon thunderstorms. Thurs will not be as hot with more scattered thunderstorms. pic.twitter.com/0w0xFzr1NC
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 29, 2025
- Listen to WTOP online and on the radio at 103.5 FM or 107.7 FM.
- Current traffic conditions
- Weather forecast
- Closings and Delays
- Sign up for WTOP email alerts
- Get custom alerts with the WTOP app for Apple and Android phones
Looking ahead
A strong cold front will begin to approach from the west during the evening, setting the stage for more active weather Thursday. Rainfall rates may become moderate to heavy, especially along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed the D.C. area under a “slight risk” for excessive rainfall, meaning localized flooding will be possible. Outside of any wet weather, conditions will be hot and humid, with highs around 90 and a heat index over 95.
On Friday, lingering showers are likely as the front remains nearby just to the south. With the passage of the front and clouds, temperatures will be in the 70s with only areas inside and close to D.C. reaching the lower 80s. Those at higher elevations will top out in the upper 60s.
7News First Alert Forecast
TUESDAY EVENING:
Scattered Clouds
Temperatures: 80s to 70s
Heat Index: 90s to 80s
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Temperatures this evening will fall through the 80s with some 70s far west. Most of the area will stay with, with a chance for limited showers to pop over the mountains. A heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service until 8 p.m. for areas along the I-81 corridor.
TONIGHT:
Partly Cloudy, Patchy Fog
Lows: 70s
Winds: Light
Plan for warm temperatures will hold in the 70s through much of the night and into early Wednesday morning. Skies will remain partly to mainly clear for most with patchy fog possible toward daybreak.
WEDNESDAY: HEAT ALERT
Mostly Sunny
Highs: 94-99
Heat Index: 100-105
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Wednesday will be the last day of our intense heat with high temperatures back into the mid to upper 90s. It will be another day that will feature a slight drop in humidity during the afternoon. While organized storms are not expected during the day, a few isolated afternoon showers or storms can’t be ruled out — particularly west of the city. A strong cold front will begin to approach from the west during the evening, setting the stage for more active weather on Thursday. A heat advisory has been posted by the National Weather Service for areas along the I-81 corridor from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
THURSDAY: STORM ALERT
Partly Cloudy
PM Thunderstorms
Highs: near 90
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
A strong cold front will approach bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms to the area during the afternoon and evening hours. Rainfall rates may become moderate to heavy, especially along and east of the I-95 corridor. The Weather Prediction Center has placed this area under a “slight risk” for excessive rainfall, meaning localized flooding will be possible. Outside of any wet weather, it will be a hot and humid day with highs around 90 degrees and feels-like temperatures over 95 degrees.
FRIDAY:
Cloudy, Cooler
Lingering Showers
Highs: 75-80
Winds: Northeast 5-15 mph
Lingering showers are likely on Friday as the front remains nearby just to the south. With the passage of the front and clouds, temperatures will be in the 70s for most with only areas inside and close to the beltway flirting with 80 degrees. Those at higher elevations will top out in the upper 60s. Not bad for the first day of August.
Current conditions
WTOP’s Ciara Wells and Abigail Constantino contributed to this report.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
