Residents across the D.C. metro area and surrounding regions should brace for scattered showers and thunderstorms today, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 50% chance of precipitation and potential gusty winds, humidity is also expected to be high, creating a sticky atmosphere; outdoor plans may need a rain check as the tumultuous weather is bound to affect afternoon activities, the high for today is anticipated to be near 87 degrees.
Tonight, the likelihood of weather disruptions climbs to 70% as showers and possibly a thunderstorm roll in before tapering off into isolated showers closer to the predawn hours, that low around 65 degrees might bring some relief, but if you're out late the south breeze, with gusts as high as 21 mph, will still necessitate a light jacket; for commuters or night owls, keep an umbrella handy because the rain isn’t skipping its late-night rendezvous with the region.
Looking towards tomorrow, don't shed those waterproof layers yet, the National Weather Service warns of a definite 100% chance of showers and potential thunderstorms, with new rainfall amounts expected to measure between a quarter and half of an inch — so, yes, your tomorrow brunch might just sound better inside, listening to the rain patter on the roof and clinking mugs, the high will be an agreeable 75 degrees but the thunder might add an uninvited rumble to your chatter.
As for the week ahead, packed umbrellas will remain just as essential as house keys with showers likely continuing into Monday and Tuesday, although the clouds will break occasionally, revealing sunny or mostly sunny days with temperatures hovering in the pleasant mid-to-upper 70s, however, come nightfall, chances of showers persist, and that includes a 'chance of showers after 8pm' mentioned in the NWS report for Wednesday night, so plan evening activities with the skies’ whimsy in mind.
In a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued early this morning, the NWS advises that sporadic severe thunderstorms today could bring localized damaging wind gusts or large hail, spanning across a region that includes the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and stretches through to the I-95 corridor in central Maryland, northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia; "Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening," the NWS outlook notes, which could indicate a need for increased on-the-ground reporting regarding the severity of the thunderstorms developing.
