Friday, July 10 is starting off sticky in the District, with warm, muggy air greeting early risers and clear skies in the low 70s at Reagan National. By afternoon, temperatures are set to push into the low 90s, and the humidity is not going anywhere. Keep the umbrella and rain jacket close: late-afternoon and evening showers or thunderstorms are on the table.
Afternoon Commute And Storm Risk
Showers and a few stronger storms are most likely after about 3 p.m., putting the late-afternoon and evening commute squarely in the spotlight. The NWS Baltimore/Washington notes that some storms could pack brief torrential downpours and gusty winds strong enough to trigger sudden street flooding and knock down small branches. West winds should run around 5 to 7 mph, and storm coverage looks spotty, so some neighborhoods may get drenched while others stay mostly dry.
Flood And Coastal Concerns
The greatest flooding concern is still west of the District, where a Flood Watch is in effect for parts of western Maryland and West Virginia. Inside D.C., the main worry is short-lived urban flooding in poor-drainage spots when storms slow down overhead. Along the bay, a Coastal Flood Advisory for Annapolis means bayfront areas and low-lying parking lots could see some splashover during higher tides.
Extended Heat Emergency Next Week
The Mayor’s office has declared an Extended Heat Emergency from Saturday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 17, with forecast models pointing to highs climbing into the mid-to-upper 90s and heat-index values near or above triple digits for parts of the I-95 corridor, according to DC.gov. Residents without reliable air conditioning are urged to plan ahead now, as the city will open cooling centers and deploy outreach teams during the emergency period.
What To Do
For today, treat storms as pop-up troublemakers: move outdoor plans indoors if lightning is nearby, and give yourself extra time to get around in case heavy rain briefly floods low spots. Looking to next week, if the heat ramps up as expected, use the District’s cooling-center map or call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311. Check in on older neighbors, keep pets out of the worst heat, and do not forget the water bottle.
