The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington DC has issued a Dense Fog Advisory effective until noon EST today for multiple areas, including the District of Columbia, a large part of Maryland, central to northern Virginia, and the panhandle of West Virginia. "Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog," as reported by the NWS advisory. Those hitting the road early might experience severely reduced visibility, making for potentially dangerous driving conditions.
In addition to the fog, the weather outlook is further complicated by a 60% chance of rain set to start around 1 pm and an anticipated temperature rise overnight, peaking to about 62 degrees in the early morning hours. Winds from the south are expected to pick up, traveling at speeds of 8 to 11 mph. The rain is forecasted to be persistent, with new precipitation amounting to between a quarter and half an inch possible during the night alone.
Wednesday's forecast continues the trend, with 100% chance of rain and conditions that could lead to heavy downpours. The temperatures, interestingly enough, will rise to near 63 degrees by 10 am but will then drop to around 49 as the day progresses. A significant wind shift is also on the docket, moving from south winds of 10 to 15 mph to northwest gusts reaching up to 33 mph, as detailed by NWS.
Looking forward, the latter half of the week brings a respite from the rain, with mostly clear skies projected for Thursday evening. Winds are still expected to be brisk, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. The sun's return on Thursday brings highs nearing 40 degrees and a continuation of windy conditions. Come Friday night, the low is expected to drop to around 28 degrees, followed by a mostly cloudy Saturday with a 50% chance of rain.
Spotters and residents in the affected regions are advised to remain vigilant and to report any severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service warning emphasizes the importance of driving cautiously, "If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you."
