Washington D.C. Braces for Rain and Gale-Force Winds, Gale Warning Issued for Chesapeake Bay

The National Weather Service in Washington D.C. advises locals to brace for a spate of rainy weather and strong winds starting today. As per their latest update, rain is expected to roll in after noon, with an 80% chance of precipitation and new amounts measuring between a tenth and quarter of an inch. The area will see temperatures peaking near 43 degrees, while winds are predicted to blow west at 9 to 15 mph, potentially ramping up to gusts as high as 26 mph. As for tonight, there's a 60% chance of rain before 10 p.m., after which the skies are forecasted to clear up partly, with lows hovering around 38 degrees.

The wind isn't letting to go gently into this weekend, with tomorrow's forecasts showing mostly sunny skies but continuous strong gusts. Northwest winds will carry on blowing 10 to 16 mph, with booming gusts that could reach up to 28 mph. By Saturday night, the winds are expected to subside slightly, maintaining speeds of 9 to 11 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. The clarity is set to remain mostly unclouded come Sunday, painting a pleasant picture of around 57 degrees with a west wind moving 8 to 11 mph.

Further into next week, Monday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 62, while Monday night could introduce a chance of rain after 1 a.m. The likelihood of precipitation starts low at 30%, but by Wednesday night, it inches up to a 40% chance of rain, casting potential shadows on the lead up to Thanksgiving Day. On Thanksgiving, rain is likely with a 60% chance of precipitation, promising a mostly cloudy day with near 49-degree weather.

The blustery conditions have ostensibly earned a Gale Warning, effective from 4 p.m. this afternoon through late tonight, for the middle and open waters of the Chesapeake Bay and lower tidal Potomac. According to the National Weather Service's Hazardous Weather Outlook, strong winds are possible through Saturday afternoon as the Gale Warning extends until 7 a.m. Saturday. Water-goers and residents near the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac River should take heed, particularly in the areas ranging from Chesapeake Bay north of Pooles Island MD down through to Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth Island.

For further details and updates, individuals can visit NWS' website.