Sun-Soaked DC Braces for Thursday Thunderstorm Blast

D.C. is starting Tuesday with clear skies and temperatures in the 60s, setting up an easy morning before sunshine pushes the District to about 85 degrees. The bigger change is ahead: heat and humidity build Wednesday, then showers and thunderstorms become the week's main weather story Thursday.

Sunny Tuesday Gives Way To Rising Heat

Tuesday should stay sunny and dry, with a northwest breeze of 3 to 8 mph and no meaningful rain threat. Wednesday turns warmer under mostly sunny skies, with a high near 89 and a southerly breeze that could gust to around 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday night brings the first real chance of unsettled weather, as showers and thunderstorms could develop after 8 p.m. The overnight low will be near 71 degrees, with a 40% chance of precipitation.

Thursday Is The Week's Main Storm Threat

Showers and thunderstorms are likely Thursday, when temperatures reach about 88 degrees and the rain chance rises to 70%. The National Weather Service says some storms could bring heavy downpours and frequent lightning, while isolated severe storms remain possible and gusty winds appear to be the main concern.

Storm chances continue into Thursday night, with a low near 69 and another 70% chance of rain before storms gradually move out. No watches or warnings are currently posted for the District, but Thursday is the day to keep an eye on the forecast and have an indoor backup for commutes or outdoor plans.

Weekend Weather Improves But Heat Hangs On

Friday starts partly sunny before another chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 2 p.m., with a high near 88 and a 40% rain chance. Saturday looks like the better outdoor window, with partly sunny skies, a high near 87 and only a small chance of rain.

Sunday should be mostly sunny and warm near 89 degrees, followed by another mostly sunny day Monday with a high near 90. In short, D.C. gets one calm day Tuesday, a warmer and stormier turn through Friday, and a brighter weekend with summer refusing to leave quietly.