Washington, D.C. is starting Wednesday under a gray blanket, with fog and low clouds cutting visibility in spots and temperatures hovering near 43°F at Reagan National. Scattered rain showers are likely on and off through the day, with a cool high around 54°F and light northeast winds. Drivers heading out early should build in extra time, as the patchy dense fog is expected to gradually thin by mid-morning.
Morning Commute
The thickest fog is showing up across northeastern Maryland and along low-lying corridors, where motorists and pedestrians may run into sudden pockets of very low visibility. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for nearby waters, and the National Weather Service is urging extra caution for travel. Stick with low beams, ease off the gas, and leave extra room to stop if you find yourself in the soup.
Showers Today, Bigger Warmup Ahead
Scattered showers are expected before 8 a.m., followed by areas of patchy drizzle through mid-morning, with another round of rain possible later this afternoon. Most spots will only pick up a few hundredths to around a tenth of an inch of rain, so it is more nuisance than washout.
Temperatures will steadily climb through the rest of the week, with highs pushing into the 60s on Thursday and into the 70s by the weekend. That is quite a turnaround from Tuesday's icy pockets; for a look back at that slick start, see our coverage of Tuesday's sneaky ice glaze.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday is on track to be the warmest day, with highs near 79°F. A weak cold front approaching late Saturday could stir up a round of afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms by Saturday night. The National Weather Service forecast discussion flags a stalled frontal boundary and the potential for spotty storms lingering into Sunday. Outdoor plans may need a backup option indoors if storms pop up.
Boaters should stay cautious until the marine fog lifts by mid-morning and check the latest marine advisories before heading out. On the roads, treat damp pavement as slick in any remaining low-visibility pockets and allow for extra travel time. We will keep an eye on changing advisories and update readers if conditions shift.
