Washington is starting Friday clear and comfortable in the low 70s, but the easy morning will give way to another round of heavy heat and thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to climb to 93 degrees, with humidity pushing the heat index near 100. The weekend then takes a noticeably cooler, drier turn.
Friday Heat Builds Before Afternoon Storms
Skies should stay mostly sunny through much of the morning, with temperatures reaching the low 90s during the afternoon. Some showers or thunderstorms could occur Friday morning, with a better chance later in the day and into the evening.
The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office says some storms could be strong to severe, with damaging winds the main concern. Rain is possible, and no watches, warnings or advisories are currently listed for the District.
Storm chances will rise Friday afternoon and continue into the evening. Northwest winds will run around 3 to 9 mph, while the overnight low settles near 73 degrees under unsettled conditions.
Saturday Starts The Weekend Cooldown
Saturday will feel easier on the body, with a high near 86 degrees and mostly sunny skies. A stray shower or storm is possible Saturday, with coverage uncertain.
The updated outlook is a modest but meaningful shift from Hoodline's Thursday forecast, trimming the weekend heat and sharpening the cooler pattern arriving after Friday's storms. Cooler conditions are expected on Sunday.
Sunny Sunday And A Mostly Dry Labor Day
Sunday looks like the weekend's cleanest weather day, with sunny skies, a high near 82 degrees and a low around 63 Sunday night. Labor Day on Monday should stay mostly sunny with another high near 82, making the holiday a much friendlier bet for outdoor plans than Friday.
The National Weather Service expects the drier pattern to continue into Tuesday before temperatures begin climbing again. Mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-to-upper 80s are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a possible frontal-boundary shower or storm threat Wednesday into Thursday.
What To Know Before Heading Out
Friday is the day to plan around: drink water, take breaks from the heat and keep outdoor activities flexible during the afternoon. If thunder is heard, move indoors, since strong winds and quick downpours can arrive even after a bright start. According to ReadyDC, the District activates free cooling centers, including libraries, when temperatures reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says annual heat-wave counts and heat-wave season length have steadily increased in U.S. cities over the past several decades.
