Washington is waking up to mostly clear skies and temperatures around 75 degrees Thursday, but the calm start will give way to another hot, stormy day. The District is expected to reach 95 degrees, with the heat index climbing as high as 102 and thunderstorms becoming more likely during the afternoon.
Storm Chances Build After 2 P.M.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms could pop up before 2 p.m., but storm chances remain below 70% as the risk heightens later in the day. Any storm may bring a quick downpour and gusty winds, making the hottest part of Thursday a potentially messy stretch for outdoor plans.
The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office has flagged a slight risk of severe thunderstorms Thursday and Friday, with damaging wind gusts the main concern. The forecast lists no heat advisory for the District itself, though advisories are in effect for parts of Maryland and Virginia, according to the National Weather Service.
Friday Stays Hot Before The Pattern Breaks
Friday will bring another round of heat, with a high near 93 degrees and a heat index around 100. Scattered showers are possible before 2 p.m., followed by a better chance of showers and thunderstorms later in the day and into Friday night.
The updated forecast sharpens the storm threat compared with Hoodline’s earlier forecast, while also pointing toward a more comfortable holiday weekend. Friday night could stay unsettled until around 2 a.m., with a low near 73.
Labor Day Weekend Brings A Break
Saturday marks the cooldown, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 86 degrees and a rain chance below 10 percent. Sunday looks sunnier and cooler at around 82 degrees, with overnight temperatures dipping to about 63.
Labor Day on Monday should be sunny and seasonably warm, with a slight chance of rain. The stretch of relatively dry weather continues into Tuesday, when temperatures rise.
Heat And Storm Safety
Anyone spending time outside Thursday or Friday should plan around the afternoon heat, drink water and take breaks in air conditioning or shade. If thunder is heard, move indoors until the storm passes; damaging winds can arrive quickly even when skies look mostly bright.
