Washington is starting Monday clear and already warm, but the comfortable-looking morning will give way to dangerous heat and a round of thunderstorms later in the day. Temperatures are expected to climb from the upper 70s early to around 95 degrees, with humidity pushing the heat index near 100.
Mostly sunny skies will hold through much of the morning and early afternoon, with west winds increasing to around 5 to 10 mph. The National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington office expects showers and thunderstorms to become more likely after 3 p.m., with the main window for storms across the metro area running from roughly 4 to 8 p.m., according to its latest forecast discussion.
Storms Could Bring Damaging Winds
Monday’s storms may arrive in scattered clusters or a line, and damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary concern. Isolated large hail, frequent lightning, brief heavy downpours and localized flash flooding are also possible, especially where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.
The forecast calls for a 40% chance of precipitation Monday afternoon and evening, with rainfall totals generally between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. No watches or warnings are listed for the District early Monday, but outdoor plans should include a way to get indoors quickly if thunder develops.
More Storm Chances Before A Late-Week Cooldown
Tuesday will be slightly cooler, with a high near 91, but it could bring the most widespread storm activity of the week. Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2 p.m., with a 50% daytime rain chance and storms likely Tuesday night.
Storm chances continue Wednesday as temperatures reach about 89 degrees. Thursday should turn mostly sunny near 91, while Friday and Saturday look cooler and less humid, with highs in the upper 80s and overnight lows dropping into the upper 60s.
