Washington, D.C., residents may want to keep their umbrellas handy as the National Weather Service forecasts a mix of sun and storms for the week ahead. The weather pattern over the nation's capital is gearing up to keep locals guessing with conditions swinging from partly sunny skies to potential downpours until the Memorial Day weekend.
Today's weather could be a prelude to what's on the horizon, with the NWS predicting "scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm." While the day might start with some sunshine, and a high near 87 degrees, clouds will likely increase, and winds will stay light, turning southeast later in the afternoon. Despite the calm, humidity levels are sticking uncomfortably high at around 79%, perfectly setting the stage for those late-day storms to rumble through.
Tonight, the chance of rain intensifies. Washingtonians could see their evening plans dampened as "a chance of showers and thunderstorms" takes the spotlight with a 50% probability, as per NWS forecasts. The low temperature will hover around 69 degrees, with gentle south winds nudging the remnants of any storms along.
For those with Memorial Day activities penciled in, the forecast may call for a quick reshuffling of outdoor events. The NWS anticipates a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening. It's a day where "showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5pm." Folks can expect highs around 85 degrees, but the threat of rain is persistent and humidity continues to hang heavy in the air, prepping the region for more precipitation.
The rest of the week takes a turn for the better as the skies clear up post-Monday tumult. Tuesday welcomes the sun with open arms, promising a bright and warm day with a high of 82 degrees. The good weather remains steadfast into Tuesday night, with mostly clear skies and a comfortably cool low around 62 degrees. Washingtonians can expect a gentle reprise from the wetter conditions, bringing an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before the potential return of showers on Wednesday afternoon.
Temperatures for the latter half of the week fall to more moderate highs in the mid-70s, granting the city a brief respite from the previous heat and humidity. The NWS lists "sunny, with a high near 73" for Thursday and maintains the favorable outlook for the end of the week with similar conditions and verging on the ideal Friday weather Washington D.C. sorely needs after a spate of showers and thunderstorms earlier in the week.
