Tuesday, July 7, Washington, D.C. woke up in a cloud this morning, with thick patchy fog and sticky humidity hanging over the city. Observations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) were near 73°F, visibility was down to roughly 4 miles, and relative humidity sat in the mid‑90s. Low clouds and mist could slow the morning commute on bridges and in river valleys before conditions improve later in the day.
Foggy Morning Commute
Fog should thin to just reduced visibility by about 8 to 9 a.m., then clear to more typical daytime conditions before noon, though pockets will linger in river valleys and on shaded streets. Expect buses and shuttles to take a bit longer, since surface transit and ride shares are likely to run slower while drivers ease through the murk. If you have to drive, stick with low beams and watch for early morning wet spots on bridges and ramps.
Afternoon Storms And Flood Risk
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon, with a high near 85°F and about a 40% chance of rain. The strongest cells could dump very heavy rain in a short time. Forecasters warn that slow moving or “training” storms could bring flash flooding to low lying streets and basements, and additional Flood Watches may be issued for parts of the region. For a reminder of how messy things can get, see our coverage of Red Line chaos in the rain, and check the National Weather Service for the latest watches and warnings.
Tonight And The Rest Of The Week
Scattered showers and storms continue into Tuesday night with lows around 69°F, and a brief lull is possible Wednesday as the front dips south. A stronger front arrives Thursday with widespread showers and thunderstorms likely and highs back near the mid to upper 80s. By Friday, hotter and partly sunnier conditions return, with highs near 90 to 91°F. If you have outdoor plans later in the week, keep an eye on the forecast, since storms Thursday and Friday could bring localized flooding and lightning.
How To Prepare
Do not drive through standing water, even if it looks shallow, and move valuables off basement floors if you live in a flood prone spot. Keep a charged phone handy for alerts. Check Metro and city transit updates if you plan to use Red Line shuttles, since heavy downpours tend to slow service, and monitor local bulletins for any Flash Flood or Flood Warnings before heading out.
