Washington, D.C., woke up Sunday inside a cloud, with thick, muggy fog draped over the region, temperatures stuck in the mid-60s, and visibility cut so low that river traffic and some early flights slowed to a crawl. The gloomy start should not last all day, though, with skies expected to thin and highs pushing into the low 70s, along with a shot at some hit-or-miss showers from late morning into mid-afternoon. A stronger cold front is still on track for midweek and looks ready to flip the script with a much colder, windier end to the week.
Foggy Morning, Slow Commute
The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington has a Dense Fog Advisory in place until 8 a.m. EDT for parts of central Maryland and nearby waters. Visibility may drop below a quarter mile in spots, so build in extra time for river crossings and airport runs. Drivers are urged to stick with low beams, ease off the gas, and leave more room between vehicles, while mariners should be ready for severely restricted visibility on the Potomac and upper Bay.
Afternoon Showers And Gusts
From about 8 a.m. through roughly 3 p.m., there is a chance of spotty rain showers, although much of the metro area should stay mostly cloudy rather than outright rainy while temperatures climb into the low 70s. Local reporting and updates note west winds at 6 to 10 mph, with gusts in the 18 to 20 mph range this afternoon, enough to make any brief showers feel a bit blustery and wind-driven. For more on how the morning started, see how drivers crawl through fog as the warm week gets going.
Midweek Turn
Model guidance continues to advertise a strong cold front arriving late Wednesday into Thursday, which could bring a period of heavier rain or thunderstorms before temperatures take a sharp drop. The National Weather Service is highlighting potential gusts in the 20 to 30 knot range with that front, and notes that in higher terrain there may be a transition from rain to snow as the colder air pours in behind it.
Boaters And Commuters
Small craft advisories are posted this morning for portions of the Bay and Potomac and could make a repeat appearance with the midweek system. Boaters should secure loose gear and check the latest marine forecast before heading out. Routine commuters will want to keep an umbrella handy and be ready for changing conditions through the day, then brace for a much windier, colder finish to the week as local forecasts and updates continue to signal.
