The National Weather Service in Washington D.C. has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the local region, warning residents of potential severe weather conditions. As of early this morning, the forecast indicates scattered sprinkles will give way to mostly cloudy skies with a high near 70 degrees, calm winds picking up to around 6 mph in the afternoon.
However, as we move into the evening, the calm will be disrupted by showers and thunderstorms expected before 2 a.m., transitioning to scattered showers, with an 80% chance of precipitation and rainfall amounts estimated between a quarter and half of an inch. The NWS warnings indicate: "Isolated severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible this evening," with the threat being "greatest west of Interstate 95."
Moving into Tuesday, the region should prepare for isolated showers before 2 pm, and winds will notably increase, with northwest gusts reaching as high as 40 mph. The volatile conditions are expected to subside by Tuesday night, leading to cooler temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Wednesday promises mostly sunny weather with a high near 59, and prevailing northwest winds continuing to gust up to 31 mph.
The National Weather Service has also put in effect a Gale Watch from Tuesday morning to early evening across all local waters; "Strong winds may cause isolated damage to trees and power lines Tuesday afternoon," so residents and mariners are advised to take caution during this period. The rest of the week is set to calm down, with sunny forecasts and temperatures climbing up to 73 degrees by Friday, although the weekend might see a return of showers, with a 30% chance of precipitation on Saturday.
