Clear skies and roughly 72°F at Reagan National (KDCA) as of 5:35 a.m. ET on Sunday, April 5, 2026, are the calm before a quick-hitting shakeup. A strong cold front is marching toward the Washington region today, set to drag a band of showers and a high likelihood of thunderstorms through the area from mid-morning into the afternoon. Temperatures may briefly reach the low 70s early before sliding back into the 60s behind the front, as winds flip from southerly to northwest with gusts potentially near 25-30 mph, as per the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington.
What To Expect Sunday
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely between about 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, with new rainfall amounts of roughly a half to three quarters of an inch on the table and gusty winds at times. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington, the main rain band should sweep across the I-95 corridor by late afternoon, and any storms will pack their greatest punch south and east of the core metro area.
Widespread severe weather is not expected, but brief heavy downpours and strong wind gusts could sharply cut visibility and are more than enough to knock over unsecured objects on balconies, patios, and porches.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
The timing is not commuter-friendly. The morning drive gets going with wet roads, and the afternoon rush could still feature scattered downpours, so budget extra travel time and expect slick conditions in any heavier bursts of rain.
We flagged this warm-then-volatile setup in our swelter and surprise storms April 1 forecast, which offers more background on how this front fits into an up-and-down spring pattern. If you have outdoor plans, line up a backup indoor option and secure tents, umbrellas, and patio furniture before the front blows through.
Boaters And Waterfronts
Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for portions of the tidal Potomac and Chesapeake through early Monday morning, so this is a good day for mariners to avoid exposed waters and duck into sheltered harbors whenever possible. The National Weather Service has extended marine advisories into tonight because of southerly winds ahead of the front and brisk northwest gusts behind it, so check local marine forecasts before you cast off.
On the water, expect choppy conditions and gusts that can make small-craft handling a handful, especially in open stretches.
Outlook This Week
Much cooler air settles in Monday, with highs near 63°F and overnight lows dipping into the low 40s or even the 30s in some spots. After that, several days of drier, quieter weather take over. High pressure builds by midweek and temperatures should run below seasonal averages early in the week, then gradually climb later in the week.
Quick tips: carry rain gear today, assume gusty winds during any storms, and if you live in flood-prone or low-lying areas keep an eye out for brief ponding after heavier downpours. Mariners and waterfront event planners should stay tuned to updated marine forecasts and advisories through Monday morning.
