Severe thunderstorms are popping up in the D.C. area for a second straight evening Tuesday after another day of scorching heat. Here’s what you need to know.
Parts of the D.C. region are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m., and an excessive heat warning was in effect until 8 p.m.
As the heavy weather made its way to the region around 8 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Montgomery County in Maryland and Loudoun, Fauquier and Prince William counties until 8:45 p.m.
The weather system was packing wind gusts up to 60 mph, according to the NWS.
The storms were fueled by blistering heat earlier in the afternoon. Spots all around D.C. recorded “serious heat” Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service — triple-digit temperatures from D.C. to Baltimore.
Temps reached 100 degrees at Dulles and 104 in D.C. and at BWI Marshall Airport in Maryland.
Some serious heat ongoing this afternoon, here are some of the measured highs as of 3pm:
Baltimore City 105F
Baltimore (BWI) 104F
Washington DC 104F
Front Royal 102F
Martinsburg 101F
100F – Washington Dulles, New Market, Luray, and Frederick MD— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 16, 2024
“Feels-like” temperatures were even higher, peaking between 105 and 110 on Tuesday, said 7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.
The extreme heat had led to some disruptions across the Metro system.
“Due to rail temperatures above 134 degrees, there is an above-ground speed restriction of 35 mph in effect systemwide, Metro said on the social media platform, X.
MARC trains on the Camden and Brunswick lines were also running at reduced speeds because of the heat.
Storms bubble up
As with Monday, severe thunderstorms crept into the region Tuesday evening, cooling temperatures slightly. The weather service said storms could bring the potential for gusty winds and large hail.
“The Storm Prediction Center has a majority of the DMV under the Level 2 out of 5 ‘Slight’ risk category,” van de Graaff said. “Drenching downpours and frequent thunder and lightning are possible in storms later, as well.”
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Although popup storms could pass quickly, 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said to be aware of winds in excess of 60 mph and flash flooding that may occur.
On Monday, quick storms that passed in a matter of minutes were able to down trees and cause brief power outages across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Excessive heat warning
Once again, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the entire D.C. region between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Excessive heat & humidity continues into Tuesday with Excessive Heat Warnings & Heat Advisories issued over large portions of the area. These run from 11 AM until 8 PM. Depending on location, heat index values will range from 100 to 110 degrees. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/Rf2aP9kE7z
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 15, 2024
Anyone outside during the day should plan to drink plenty of fluids and seek cool spaces or shade when possible.
If you’re unsure about what the heat index is, but were afraid to ask, WTOP has you covered with this explainer.
Tuesday night is expected to be mild and muggy with temperatures in D.C., once again, not falling below 80.
Looking ahead, Thursday’s forecast anticipates lower temperatures in the middle 80s but there is likely more heat before we get there.
Although showers and thunderstorms are possible each day through the first half of the week, the National Weather Service said the “best chance for organized severe weather looks to be on Wednesday.”
WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.
- Extreme heat can trigger headaches and migraines, D.C.-area doctor says
- You can handle one heat wave, but what happens to your body when they keep coming?
Current weather
7News First Alert Forecast
TUESDAY: HEAT ALERT, STORM ALERT: Hot, afternoon storms. Highs between 99 and 102, with a heat index between 105 and 110+.
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
TUESDAY NIGHT: Decreasing clouds. Lows between 76 and 82, not falling below 80 in D.C.
Winds: Southwest 5 mph
WEDNESDAY: HEAT ALERT, STORM ALERT: Hot, isolated storms. Highs between 90 and 97, with a heat index peaking around 105.
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
THURSDAY: Partly sunny, possible lingering showers. Highs in the middle 80s.
Winds: North 5-15 mph
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy, dry. Highs in the upper 80s.
Winds: North to South 5-10 mph
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