D.C. residents should brace themselves for a wetter end to the week, according to the latest weather updates. The National Weather Service forecasts a 100% chance of rain tonight, set to begin after 11 pm, with potential heavy downpours expected and new precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible. As residents sleep, the storm will be knocking on their windows, with a low around 46 degrees and southeast winds blowing at 7 to 9 mph.
As the weekend kicks off, tomorrow promises more rain, mainly before 2 pm, which could also be heavy at times. Highs will hover near 56 degrees, with an east wind 7 to 12 mph turning north and increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Gusts might reach as high as 30 mph, transforming umbrellas into unwieldy weapons against the driving rain. Precipitation will remain a constant companion for Washingtonians throughout the day, with new precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Residents longing for a reprieve from the rain may find some solace tomorrow night, with a 30% chance of precipitation before 8 pm. Following the rain, the clouds will begin to part, ushering in clear skies, but the north wind, still breezy at 22 to 25 mph and with gusts up to 33 mph, will ensure that the newfound clarity in the sky comes with a brisk reminder of the season. Temperatures will take a dive to a low near 33 degrees.
Looking ahead to Sunday, clear skies will prevail with a sunny day and a high near 55 degrees, though it will remain windy. The north wind, persistent as the memory of winter, will blow at 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. For those stepping out, it will be a day that begs for jackets clutched close and hats pulled down over ears. The night will follow suit, mostly clear with lows around 34 degrees, suggesting that spring, while announced, is still negotiating its terms with the lingering chill.
The start of the new week sees continued sunshine with a high near 57 degrees on Monday. However, the clearer skies are not expected to last, with the forecast indicating mostly cloudy conditions by Tuesday and a 50% chance of rain entering the scene come Tuesday night. The temperature at night will stay around 44 degrees, setting the stage for a cycling pattern of clouds and precipitation into the week ahead.
The possibility of rain persists through midweek, with Wednesday and Thursday both having chances of rain pegged at 50% and 40%, respectively. Daytime highs will near 59 degrees on Wednesday and 58 degrees on Thursday, as the clouds prove they aren't quite ready to surrender their hold on the sky, still flirting with the capital's skyline and its inhabitants' desire for consistent springtime weather.
