The National Weather Service in Washington D.C. has rolled out its latest forecast, and it looks like a mixed bag in terms of what's in store for the area weather-wise. With a sunny high near 65 degrees today and light winds, the day may seem innocuous enough. Tonight's forecasted low around 44 degrees comes with a possibility of frost west of Interstate 95, as reported by the NWS.
As the weekend approaches, the weather pattern is expected to shift. Friday will bring mostly sunny skies and a mild high around 66 degrees, but conditions are forecast to take a turn beginning Saturday. Showers come into the mix with a 30% chance by Saturday afternoon, ramping up to a 60% likelihood through Sunday. Gale watches are on the horizon, too. According to the National Weather Service's hazardous weather outlook, “Gale-force winds are possible across the Middle and Upper Tidal Potomac Saturday night through Sunday night.”
In addition to inclement weather, certain areas are on alert for potential flooding. "Moderate tidal flooding is possible along vulnerable shoreline Friday evening. The threat may linger through the weekend," mentions the NWS outlook, signaling the beginning of several days where waterfront communities will need to keep a wary eye on the tides. The flooding threat could persist through the weekend, which suggests that preparations for possible water incursion should be considered.
Wind also claims a spot in the weekend’s unfolding drama, with the NWS issuing a Gale Watch for Chesapeake Bay and the Lower Tidal Potomac for Saturday night through Sunday night. It's not just discretion being the better part of valor; with the NWS cautioning that "Gale-force winds are possible across the Middle and Upper Tidal Potomac Saturday night through Sunday night," securing boats and loose outdoor items should be high on the priority list.
The National Weather Service has issued its warnings, urging the public to stay alert and prepared. As Columbus Day approaches, forecasts point to a chance of showers and partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching around 64 degrees.
