Washington is waking up to clear skies and temperatures in the mid-60s Wednesday, but the District’s warm spell is about to make one last dramatic move. The forecast calls for a sunny afternoon near 88 degrees before storms and a sharp weekend cooldown change the mood completely.
Near-Record Heat Gives Way To Evening Storms
Wednesday’s high could challenge Washington National Airport’s October 14 record of 87 degrees, set in 1975. The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington expects mostly sunny skies and light west winds through the afternoon, with temperatures peaking around 3 to 5 p.m., according to its latest forecast discussion.
A cold front will approach Wednesday night, bringing a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms between about 8 and 10 p.m. A few stronger storms are possible across the broader region, particularly west of the Blue Ridge, though no watches or warnings are in effect for the District as of Wednesday morning.
Rain Returns Thursday Before Another Warmup
Thursday looks much cooler and wetter, with rain showers likely, mostly cloudy skies and a high near 65 degrees. Rain chances rise to 80%, although expected rainfall totals remain below a tenth of an inch.
Friday brings another brief warmup, with partly sunny skies and a high near 82, but showers are likely and winds will become noticeably gustier. The approaching cold front could produce strong wind gusts across the region Friday afternoon and Friday night, making outdoor plans a little less carefree than Wednesday’s sunshine suggests.
Weekend Chill Brings A Frost Threat
Saturday will feel like a different season, with sunny skies but a high near 56 and northwest winds around 14 to 17 mph. Clear skies Saturday night could send temperatures down to about 39 degrees, with frost likely and freezing temperatures possible outside the immediate downtown areas, especially west of Interstate 95.
Sunday turns quieter and sunnier, with a high near 61, followed by a gradual warmup to the mid-60s Monday and upper 60s Tuesday. The latest outlook sharpens the temperature whiplash already flagged in Tuesday’s forecast: enjoy the summerlike Wednesday, keep rain gear handy Thursday and Friday, and protect sensitive plants before the weekend chill settles in.
