Washington starts Thursday, Aug. 13, with clear skies and temperatures in the 70s, but the District is headed for a hot afternoon near 91 degrees. Rain chances stay low for most of the day, making this one of the better windows for outdoor plans before a stormier stretch moves in.
The National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, northwest winds of 3 to 8 mph and only a small chance of a passing shower or thunderstorm. Any isolated activity is more likely during the afternoon, while the heat index could climb into the mid- to upper 90s east of the Alleghenies, according to the National Weather Service.
Friday Brings More Storm Chances
Friday will be cooler, with a high near 86, but the trade-off is a better chance of showers and thunderstorms. A few showers could develop after 8 a.m., with storm chances increasing during the afternoon and evening; locally heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds are the main concerns.
The forecast does not call for a total washout, and the chance of rain is about 20% during the day and 30% Friday night. Storm coverage could be more noticeable south and west of the Interstate 95 corridor, so outdoor events may need a flexible backup plan.
A Brief Break Saturday Before A Stormier Sunday
Saturday offers a short-lived reset, with mostly sunny skies, lower humidity and a high near 88 after a small early-morning shower chance. Sunday turns warmer again, reaching about 90 degrees, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms beginning after 8 a.m.
Storm chances continue into Monday, when temperatures may again reach 91 degrees. Conditions trend drier Tuesday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 88, followed by a mostly clear night.
No watches, warnings or advisories are posted for the District, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia or nearby marine areas. Even with low storm odds Thursday, residents should keep an eye on the sky during the hottest part of the afternoon, when isolated lightning and brief downpours could still pop up.
