As residents of Washington D.C. woke up to overcast skies this morning, the National Weather Service reported a temperature of 47°F and a humidity that sat heavy at 71%, setting the stage for a day of awaited rain. The wind, coming in from the south at a docile 7 mph, did little to chase away the dampness that seeped into the bones of the early risers. Visibility stretched out to a clear 10 miles, perhaps the last vestige of clarity before the rain forecasted to start after 5 pm rolls in. The National Weather Service has announced an 80% chance of rain with light precipitation amounts, but it is not to be underestimated as it prepares the city for a tempestuous night.
Tonight, the nation's capital is bracing for a bout of thunderstorms before 3 am, following which showers and possibly a thunderstorm are likely between 3 am and 4 am, then a certainty of showers after 4 am. According to the detailed forecast by the National Weather Service, the low will hover around 53°F. The wind, not content with its earlier calm, is expected to pick up to speeds between 6 to 9 mph, with rainfall amounts varying, especially where thunderstorms hit those caught unprepared by the dramatic weather turn.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, there's a brighter outlook with just a 30% chance of showers amid a party of partly sunny skies—thunder and clouds giving way to a high of about 71°F. The gusts might assert themselves, reaching up to 24 mph, as if trying to blow away the remnants of yesterday's gloom. The forecast for Wednesday night promises a dip in the temperature to a low around 38°F, with westerly winds speeding through at 10 to 17 mph, and gusts that could lash out with even more ferocity, peaking at about 28 mph.
Thanksgiving Day will usher in partly sunny skies, with a more moderate high of 46°F to accompany the holiday festivities. The wind, persisting from the west at 13 to 16 mph, will remind folks to hold onto their hats with gusts that may reach 25 mph. As for Thursday night, it's likely to be mostly clear with the mercury falling to around 30°F, ideal for those wrapping up in warmth indoors after a day of gratitude and feasting.
The weather rhythm continues into the weekend with a sunny Friday and a high near 42°F. The clear night will give way to a low around 27°F, and looking ahead to Saturday, mostly sunny conditions anticipate a high creeping up to 43°F. For those venturing out Saturday evening, clouds will roll back in, bringing the temperature down to a low around 31°F. The city will then cycle back to a chance of rain on Sunday, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 47°F, according to the National Weather Service.
