Washington, D.C., gets a deceptively easy start Tuesday, with clear skies and temperatures around 73 degrees early. Partly sunny skies should push the afternoon high near 87, but the forecast takes a sharper turn after dark as showers and thunderstorms move toward the city.
Tuesday Night Brings The Bigger Risk
Rain chances remain minimal during the day, then rise late Tuesday night. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., followed by likely storms, a 60% precipitation chance and possible rainfall totals between a quarter-inch and half an inch. The National Weather Service said slow-moving storms could create a localized urban flooding concern as a warm front lifts north.
Wednesday Stays Wet And Stormy
Showers are likely before 11 a.m. Wednesday, with thunderstorms most likely from late morning through the afternoon and another round possible later in the day. The high should reach 88 degrees, with a 70% chance of precipitation and new rainfall totals between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch. That setup could mean a soggy morning commute, sudden downpours and slick roads across the District.
Heat Returns After The Midweek Rain
Thursday turns mostly sunny and hotter, with a high near 92, while Friday reaches 92 with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Saturday and Sunday stay near 91 with additional storm chances, and Monday could climb to 94 under mostly sunny skies. Forecasters say heat indexes may approach 100 degrees from Thursday through Sunday, even as scattered storms continue.
What D.C. Residents Should Know
Tuesday afternoon offers the best window for outdoor plans before the late-night storm threat develops. Residents heading out Tuesday night or Wednesday should keep alerts on, allow extra travel time and never drive through standing water. No watches or warnings are listed for the District, though a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect on portions of nearby waters until 8 a.m. Tuesday.
