Washington started the day on the steamy side, waking up to clear skies, muggy air and temperatures around 73°F. The calm will not last forever, though. A weak frontal disturbance is sliding in and could spark showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into the evening, with the main window running from about 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. If you have outdoor plans, keep an eye out for quick, heavy downpours and lightning later today.
Afternoon Storms
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2 p.m., with the most widespread activity favored for late afternoon and early evening. A few storms could ramp up into strong or even severe territory, bringing damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and heavy downpours that may trigger brief flash flooding in low-lying spots.
Afternoon highs should land in the mid-80s to upper-80s, roughly 85–87°F. Forecasters at the National Weather Service are calling for the same general timing and hazards across the region.
Evening And Overnight
Storms should gradually wind down overnight, although a chance of showers and thunderstorms hangs on into the late evening. Temperatures will dip to around 69°F by daybreak.
Most spots can expect new rainfall totals of a few tenths of an inch, with isolated areas picking up between a quarter and a half-inch where storms linger. Brief urban flooding and reduced visibility are the main concerns for the evening commute, so take it slow and give yourself extra stopping distance if the roads are wet.
Heat Returns Midweek
After a quieter and drier stretch Monday and Tuesday, heat and humidity are set to make a comeback by midweek as a ridge builds back over the area. Wednesday, July 15, looks especially hot, with highs likely soaring into the mid-to-upper 90s and heat-index readings near or above 100°F in urban neighborhoods.
If you will be outside, try to shift the heavy lifting to the early morning or later evening hours, and check in on family members, neighbors and pets who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
Where To Cool Off
For those who need a break during the upcoming hot spell, the District maintains an interactive map of cooling centers and heat resources at heat.dc.gov. Keep water close at hand, avoid long stretches in direct sun during peak afternoon heat and consider moving outdoor events to cooler parts of the day.
Plan For Your Afternoon
With storms in the mix, it is smart to build in extra travel time this afternoon and evening and have a backup plan ready for any outdoor gatherings, since cells can form and move quickly. Monitor local radar and weather updates through the day, and head indoors at the first sign of lightning or heavy rain.
