D.C. Temps Hit 59 Before Thursday Night Storms Roll In

Washington woke up on the chilly side Wednesday, with clear skies and temperatures hovering around 39°F at Reagan National Airport. From there, the day trends toward mostly dry, springlike conditions as readings climb into the upper 50s and light southerly breezes take over.

Afternoon Into Thursday

Highs are expected to top out near 59°F in the city on Wednesday, then jump into the low to mid 70s across parts of the region on Thursday as a stronger southerly flow sets up. Forecasters say conditions should stay dry through Thursday afternoon before a strong cold front moves in Thursday evening. Gusts could reach into the low 20s ahead of the front, with the best chance for showers arriving after dark, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington.

Thursday Night Storm Risk

The approaching front may fire up scattered thunderstorms Thursday night into early Friday, with the greatest potential for strong to severe storms west of the I-81 corridor and over the Alleghenies. The timing is still a bit uncertain and the severe threat is expected to weaken as storms push east, but the broader region remains in a marginal risk area for organized storms, per the Storm Prediction Center.

Commutes, Tides and Weekend Outlook

Drivers and transit riders should be ready for wet roads and potential delays Thursday night into Friday. Low clouds and showers could briefly cut visibility and lead to sub-VFR aviation conditions. Southerly winds may also nudge tide levels higher on the Potomac and Chesapeake, which could trigger minor tidal flooding in the usual vulnerable spots. Behind the front, high pressure settles in for the weekend, delivering a cooler stretch with highs in the 40s to low 50s and nighttime temperatures dipping into the 20s.