Highs in the 80s, possible late-day storms kick off April in DC area

An incoming cold front could stifle warm temperatures in the D.C. area while ushering in April showers — and possibly storms — Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Wednesday’s temperatures are near record-breaking, with highs forecast in the upper 70s to middle 80s. Record highs of 88 at Reagan National Airport and 85 at Dulles International Airport were set on April 1, 1978.

Most of the D.C. region isn’t expected to see severe weather, but there’s a chance a few storms could include strong winds and hail, particularly along and north of Interstate 66 and Route 50.

“Some of them may be strong or severe with gusty winds and small hail, but not everyone is going to see severe weather,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans said.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the 60s Wednesday night; patchy fog is a possibility.

Any storms that develop should end by midnight.

Looking ahead, the cold front is expected to stall near or over the D.C. area Thursday. Storm chances will stick around.

Depending on where you live, temperatures could be widely different. Evans said areas northeast of D.C. could see temperatures in the 50s while areas to the southwest are forecast in the 80s. The position of the cold front will influence temperatures.

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Full forecast

WEDNESDAY:
Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms
Temperatures: 70s to 60s
Winds: South 5-15 mph
Skies will turn increasingly unsettled this evening as scattered thunderstorms develop and move through the area. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the D.C. area in a slight risk for a few strong to severe storms, with damaging wind gusts as the main concern. While not everyone will see a storm, any thunderstorm that does form this evening could quickly intensify.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
Rain & Storms Likely
Then Cloudy, Patchy Fog
Lows: 60s
Winds: Northeast 5 mph
Wet weather is likely through midnight with areas of rain and a few rumbles of thunder. Rain chances will decrease after midnight with skies remaining cloudy and the pavement remaining wet. Areas of patchy fog may develop predawn.

THURSDAY:
Mostly Cloudy, Patchy AM Fog
Isolated Shower, Storm
Highs: 60s
Winds: East 5-15 mph
A front draped across the region sets up a real temperature tug-of-war across the D.C. region. Areas north and east may stay stuck in the 50s under low clouds, while southwest zones surge into the mid 70s to even mid 80s with some sunshine breaking through. Overall, expect a mix of clouds and sun with a slightly humid feel developing. Most neighborhoods stay dry, but a few spotty showers or an isolated thunderstorm could pop near the boundary — very much a “keep an eye on the radar” kind of day. FRIDAY:
Partly to Mostly Sunny
Highs: 78-83
Winds: Southwest 5-15 mph
Temperatures climb into the mid to upper 70s, with a warm, springlike feel and a mix of sun and passing clouds. For first pitch around 1 p.m., expect readings in the mid 70s, with just a light breeze and a bit of humidity in the air. While an isolated shower can’t be completely ruled out, most of the area, including Nationals Park, should stay dry. All in all, a favorable forecast for opening day.

SATURDAY:
Mostly Sunny
Highs: 83-88
Winds: Southwest 10-20 mph
Surging temperatures in the 80 will make for a hot start to the weekend. Plan for plenty of sun and warmth ahead of the next weather maker set for Sunday. SUNDAY:
Showers, Thunderstorms
Highs: lower 70s
Winds: Southwest 10-20 mph
This is the day to watch. A strong cold front sweeps through, bringing widespread rain along with a few storms, and a noticeable shift in temperatures. Periods of rain look likely, and while thunder isn’t the main story, it can’t be completely ruled out. Temperatures will trend cooler as the day goes on, setting the stage for a sharp cooldown heading into next week.