Washington woke up warm and muggy early Wednesday, April 15, with temperatures already around 64°F at Reagan National. By this afternoon, the District is expected to feel more like mid-summer, with highs soaring into the low 90s and the heat index staying close to the actual air temperature thanks to relatively dry conditions.
Heat Today And Tomorrow
Forecasters are calling for highs near 92 to 93°F on both Wednesday and Thursday, putting this stretch in the running for some of the warmest mid-April days on record, according to the National Weather Service. Dew points should stay in the 50s, which means it will be hot but not oppressively sticky. Even so, anyone sensitive to heat is urged to take it easy during the peak afternoon hours.
Afternoon Winds And Boating
Southwest winds will kick up each afternoon, generally blowing 8 to 14 mph with gusts into the low 20s, so expect a noticeably breezy evening commute. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for parts of the Chesapeake Bay this afternoon into the evening, and small boats are advised to steer clear of exposed waters while the gusts are elevated. For guidance on staying cool and avoiding heat-related illness, check the National Weather Service.
Weekend Cool-Down
A stronger cold front is slated to move through Saturday night into Sunday, bringing a forecast drop of about 10 to 20°F in daytime highs along with a chance of scattered showers and a few thunderstorms. That system should slam the brakes on the unseasonable warmth and usher in much cooler conditions for early next week.
