Washington, D.C. woke up to a cool, soggy start on Saturday, May 23, with light rain falling and temperatures stuck in the mid-50s. Showers are expected to stick around through the day, and gusty east winds will leave both the morning and evening commutes slower and wetter than usual.
Afternoon Showers And Gusty East Winds
Plan on a cloudy, wet afternoon, with highs holding near 59°F and east winds around 10 to 12 mph. Gusts could push into the 20s during heavier bursts of rain. By the time today is over, rainfall totals could reach roughly a half to three quarters of an inch across many neighborhoods, which will raise the risk of ponding on streets and other poorly drained spots.
Saturday Night Into Sunday
Another round of showers and thunderstorms is likely Saturday night. An additional three quarters to one inch of rain is possible, with temperatures slipping into the mid-50s before climbing back toward 60 overnight. Areas that already picked up runoff earlier in the day should be alert for any brief heavier bands that can trigger street flooding and knock down visibility on the roads.
Memorial Day Outlook
Sunday should feel milder, with a high near 74°F, but it will still come with on-and-off showers. Monday, Memorial Day itself, looks warmer with highs near 80°F and a renewed chance for scattered afternoon storms. If you are planning to attend parades, ceremonies, or other outdoor events, keep a backup plan in your pocket and check updates for the potential of late-day thunder.
Boats, Tides And Commute Tips
Small Craft Advisories remain up through Saturday night for parts of the Chesapeake and lower Potomac, and an onshore flow may push tidal levels higher. Annapolis could approach minor flood stage at the high tide early this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Mariners should hold off on nonessential trips, and drivers are better off avoiding low-lying roads when the rain is coming down hard.
We wrote about this developing wet pattern yesterday; you can read that developing wet pattern update for more background. Either way, allow extra travel time and keep a rainproof layer handy for anything you are doing outside.
