Clear skies are kicking off Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with temperatures in the low 60s around Reagan National Airport. Sunshine will carry afternoon highs into the low 80s, but this calm setup is the warm-up act. A much hotter, stickier pattern builds later in the week, with a surge of heat and humidity Thursday that could fire up strong storms.
Today And Tonight
Tuesday stays mostly sunny with a high near 81°F and a light northwest breeze. Overnight, skies remain mostly clear and temperatures dip to around 58°F. A slight chance of rain showers, around 20 percent, creeps in late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.
Late-Week Heat And Storm Risk
By Wednesday, highs jump into the upper 80s. Thursday is the one to watch, with temperatures expected to peak near 95°F and sticky dew points in the mid to upper 60s. That hot, humid air feeding in ahead of a cold front will set the stage for strong to possibly severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening. Damaging wind is the main concern, and background winds could gust above 30 mph. The front is expected to push through Thursday night, ushering in a drier, more comfortable air mass for Friday and the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington.
Juneteenth Weekend
Friday (Juneteenth) brings a chance of showers before 2 p.m. and a slight chance of thunderstorms later in the afternoon, with highs near 83°F. Outdoor events should have a rain plan in their back pocket. The District maintains a map of cooling centers and heat-relief resources, and local details are available from the D.C. Department of Human Services.
Commuter And Outdoor Tips
Plan tougher outdoor work or workouts for the cooler morning and evening hours, keep water handy, and secure loose items outside before Thursday’s gusty conditions move in. Thunderstorms could trigger brief power outages and slowdowns on roads and transit. Boaters should keep an eye out for Small Craft Advisories on local waters as winds and waves shift with the changing weather pattern.
