Washington starts Monday, August 31, with clear skies and temperatures around 73 degrees, but the easy morning is a brief opening act. The District is headed for a 91-degree afternoon, scattered storms after 2 p.m., and a much hotter stretch that could push temperatures near 100 by Thursday.
Mostly sunny skies should carry the city through early afternoon, with light northeast winds around 5 mph. After 2 p.m., scattered showers and thunderstorms have a 40% chance, and any rain should generally total less than a tenth of an inch, though downpours and gusty winds could briefly disrupt commutes or outdoor plans.
Tuesday And Wednesday Bring The Worst Heat
Tuesday, September 1, looks like the most punishing day at first glance: sunny skies, a high near 97, and heat-index readings as high as 102. Storms could pop after 2 p.m., but the overnight low will only fall to around 78, offering little relief.
Wednesday stays mostly sunny with a high near 96 and only a 20% storm chance, while Thursday could reach 98 with showers possible early and a better chance of thunderstorms later. Thursday's forecast high is near Washington's September 3 record of 98 degrees set in 1953.
The National Weather Service says storm timing and coverage remain uncertain later in the week, with the greatest potential for organized strong to severe storms currently centered on Wednesday or Thursday. No watches, warnings or advisories are posted for the District in the current forecast, but lightning, sudden heavy rain and strong wind could still interrupt outdoor plans.
A Late-Week Cooldown Finally Arrives
Friday remains warm near 90 with another chance of showers and thunderstorms, then temperatures ease sharply Friday night to around 69. Saturday looks like the first clean reset, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 86, followed by a pleasant Sunday near 83.
The latest numbers are a meaningful update from Hoodline's Sunday forecast, which had Monday near 94 and Tuesday and Wednesday near 98. The heat is still the headline, but the forecast now points to a more complicated Wednesday-through-Friday period as storm chances rise and a cold front approaches.
Plan Around The Heat
Schedule strenuous outdoor work for the morning or evening, keep water nearby and take breaks in shade or air conditioning during Tuesday through Thursday afternoons. Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked car, and move indoors at the first sign of thunder.
