Washington, DC is starting Monday with light rain, low ceilings and a damp commute, but the umbrellas should get a break before breakfast is over. Showers are expected to taper before 8 a.m., with skies gradually brightening and temperatures climbing to about 74 degrees by afternoon. Gusty northwest winds could make the day feel blusterier than the thermometer suggests.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for northwest gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph. The flood watch has expired, and no watches or warnings are posted for Washington, DC.
Afternoon Winds Ease As Clouds Thin
Clouds should gradually break up Monday afternoon, with partly sunny skies developing after midday. Winds are forecast to diminish in the evening, while Monday night turns mostly clear with a low near 57 degrees.
Tuesday brings a much cleaner forecast: sunny skies, light southwest winds and a high near 80 degrees. Wednesday looks even warmer, with sunshine and temperatures reaching about 85 degrees — a brief midsummer encore in the middle of October.
Rain Returns Before A Sharp Weekend Cooldown
The warm spell starts to unravel Wednesday night, when a slight chance of showers returns. Thursday brings increased precipitation chances and highs in the 60s and 70s, while Friday also brings increased precipitation chances, with highs in the 60s and 70s.
A cold front will cross the forecast area Friday, bringing breezy conditions Friday night into Saturday. Saturday then turns much cooler, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s.
For Monday commuters, wet pavement and reduced visibility will be the main early-day concerns, followed by gusty winds around midday. Outdoor plans look most comfortable Tuesday and Wednesday, while anyone planning late-week activities should keep an eye on the rain and thunderstorm chances.
