Muggy heat may give way to heavy showers, turbulent afternoon storms in DC region

While temperatures hit the low 90s, a Monday afternoon weathermaker could bring strong wind, rain and storms to the D.C. region.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the D.C. area until 9 p.m.

7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña said the afternoon weather event could bring heavy rainfall, “anywhere from around a half to over an inch” in some neighborhoods.

Peña said the sudden and heavy rain would alleviate the region’s drought conditions over several days, but happening at once could inundate roads Monday afternoon, adding motorists should “turn around, don’t drown.”

The threat will drop into the evening hours, and showers are expected to linger overnight. Tuesday will bring cooler conditions with highs in the 80s.

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FORECAST

THIS EVENING:
Tracking Storms, Showers
Temperatures: 80s to 70s
Winds: Southwest 10-15, Gusts 20 mph
The threat for severe thunderstorms will continue through approximately 8 p.m., especially along and east of I-95. Damaging winds remain the primary concern, although localized flooding may develop where the heaviest rain occurs. The National Weather Service has posted a ‘severe thunderstorm watch’ until 9 p.m. Storms will be moving at a decent pace, but the atmosphere contains abundant moisture and any storm will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall. Showers and a few thunderstorms may linger well into the evening before gradually weakening. Sunset is at 8:37 p.m.

TONIGHT:
Lingering Showers End
Patchy Fog
Lows: 67-73
Winds: Northwest 5 mph
Showers and storms will gradually wind down overnight, with most activity ending by around 1 a.m. Skies remain mostly cloudy for a while, but the trend will be quieter and less humid toward daybreak. Any leftover wet roads or areas of poor drainage may take a little longer to improve along with a bit of patchy fog.

TUESDAY:
Mostly Cloudy
AM Showers Possible
Highs: 75-80
Winds: Northwest 5-15 mph
Tuesday turns calmer behind the front. A few clouds may linger early, but the day should feature improving conditions, lower humidity and seasonable temperatures in the middle 70s to around 80 degrees. It will feel noticeably more comfortable compared to the muggy setup that helped fuel Monday’s storms.

WEDNESDAY:
Mostly Sunny
Highs: 82-87
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
Wednesday looks like the nicest day of the week. Expect dry weather, lower humidity and comfortable temperatures with highs in the low to mid 80s. This will be the best opportunity for outdoor plans before humidity and storm chances begin to build again late week.

THURSDAY:
Partly Cloudy, Chance for Storms
Highs: 85-90
Winds: South 5-10 mph
The dry stretch begins to break down as winds turn more southerly and humidity gradually increases. While much of the day may remain dry, scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop later in the afternoon and evening. High temperatures will climb into the middle to upper 80s to near 90.

FRIDAY:
Mostly Cloudy
Storm Chances
Highs: 85-90
Winds: South 5-10 mph
An approaching weather system from the Great Lakes will bring another opportunity for showers and thunderstorms. While details on timing remain uncertain, Friday currently appears to offer the best chance for more widespread storm activity late this week. High temperatures will reach the middle to upper 80s with increasing humidity. Any thunderstorms that develop will be capable of producing heavy downpours and gusty winds.