Washington woke up to a muggy Thursday morning, with Reagan National (DCA) starting near 68°F, a dew point around 63°F, and mostly clear skies. It already feels sticky, and temperatures are set to climb quickly, with a high near 88°F this afternoon. If you have outdoor plans, the most comfortable windows will be this morning and again later this evening.
Afternoon Outlook
Mostly sunny skies are expected Thursday, June 25, with a southwest breeze of roughly 2 to 13 mph and only a small, around 10 percent, chance of an isolated shower. Highs should top out near 88°F, so bring water and find shade if you will be outside for a while. Forecast details are from the NWS Baltimore/Washington.
Late-Week Storm Risk
Conditions take a turn Friday, June 26, as highs climb toward the low 90s and the chance for showers and thunderstorms jumps to about a 60 percent probability of precipitation during the afternoon and evening. Some storms Friday could bring strong, damaging wind gusts. Moisture deepens into Saturday, June 27, when heavier and more widespread downpours are possible. If you are hosting or attending outdoor events, be ready to pause for lightning or brief bursts of heavy rain.
Marine And Travel
Boaters should note that Small Craft Advisories are in effect for many Chesapeake waters starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25, and lasting into Friday morning, with scattered storms raising the risk of sudden gusts and poor visibility. The NWS also flags the potential for temporary flight restrictions or delays with Friday and Saturday storms, so travelers should monitor conditions before heading to the airports or the waterfront.
Heat Next Week
After a cooler Sunday, June 28, heat is expected to ramp up again early next week. Forecasters project mid 90s by Tuesday, June 30, and possibly upper 90s by Wednesday, July 1, with heat index values topping 100°F at times. The District activates cooling centers and other heat relief resources during heat alerts, and residents can find locations and guidance through the District's summer heat pages and DPR resources. DPR.
Plan Ahead
For the next several days, it will pay to hydrate, schedule strenuous activity for morning or evening, and have a lightning-safe shelter in mind if you will be at outdoor events. Check the latest forecasts before boating, commuting, or flying, since storm timing could shift between Friday and Saturday and quickly change plans along the riverfront.
