D.C. Sizzles to 88 Before Thursday Storms Crash the Party

The District is starting Wednesday clear and mild, but the calm will not last all week. Washington should climb to about 88 degrees under mostly sunny skies before hotter, more humid conditions set the stage for Thursday's storm threat.

Wednesday's south to southeast winds will stay light early and increase to around 9 mph during the afternoon, while the rain chance remains near zero. Skies turn mostly cloudy Wednesday night, with temperatures settling around 72 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Thursday Brings The Main Weather Concern

Thursday will be hotter, with a high near 90 and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. The latest forecast discussion warns that some storms could become severe, bringing damaging wind gusts and large hail; a brief tornado cannot be ruled out if conditions come together.

The storm chance is 30%, so this is not a guarantee of an all-day washout, but afternoon and evening plans should stay flexible. Anyone who hears thunder should move indoors, especially as storms could create sudden downpours, lightning and sharp wind gusts.

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories for the District in the current forecast. Boaters should note that a Small Craft Advisory begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday and continues through 6 a.m. Thursday on portions of the Chesapeake.

Weekend Dries Out Before Next Week's Heat

Friday remains warm near 87 degrees, with partly sunny skies and another 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. A few storms could linger Friday night before conditions gradually become more favorable for outdoor plans.

Saturday looks partly sunny and seasonable near 86 degrees, followed by a mostly sunny Sunday with a high around 89. The heat then ramps up quickly, reaching about 94 degrees Monday and 95 Tuesday, when a slight chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms returns.

The sharper Thursday outlook updates Hoodline's earlier forecast, which had already pointed to a sunny midweek stretch before storms returned. For Washington, the message is simple: enjoy Wednesday's sunshine, keep Thursday's afternoon forecast on the radar, and save the weekend for plans that can handle a little lingering summer heat.