Excessive Heat and Air Quality Concerns on Wednesday; Potential Flooding in DC Forecasted for Thursday
DMV Weather Forecast: Preparing for Potential Storms and Cooler Temperatures
The weather forecast for the DMV region from Wednesday to Friday indicates a shift in weather patterns, with potential severe storms and cooler temperatures on the horizon.
Wednesday: Partly sunny skies with a chance of showers or thunderstorms are expected. High temperatures will be in the mid 80s, setting the stage for a warm and muggy day [1].
Thursday: Strong thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon, bringing heavy rain, potential flooding, and damaging wind gusts. Temperatures will be hot and humid, with highs ranging from 89 to 94°F. A Weather Impact Alert is in effect from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., reflecting these concerns [2][3][5].
The Storm Prediction Center has the DMV in the Level 1 of 5 risk for severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts on Thursday. The Weather Prediction Center has also placed the area under a "slight risk" for excessive rainfall, meaning localized flooding will be possible [2][3][5].
Friday: Partly sunny skies with a chance of showers and possibly thunderstorms are expected. The temperatures will drop noticeably, with highs in the upper 70s [1]. Areas at higher elevations will top out in the upper 60s. Lingering showers are likely on Friday [1].
Regarding heat alerts and air quality: While the forecast mentions hot and humid conditions through Thursday, specific heat alerts or air quality warnings were not explicitly stated in the available sources. However, the temperatures on Wednesday are expected to be high enough to trigger a heat advisory [1].
On Wednesday, the National Weather Service has posted a heat advisory for areas along the I-81 corridor, effective until 8 p.m. [4]. An Air Quality Alert (Code Orange) has been issued for Wednesday due to poor air quality [1]. People who suffer from heart, lung, or respiratory issues should be mindful of the poor air quality on Wednesday.
Organized storms are not expected during the day, but a few isolated afternoon showers or storms can't be ruled out, particularly along the I-81 corridor, on both Wednesday and Thursday. Rainfall rates may become moderate to heavy, especially along and east of the I-95 corridor on Thursday [1].
A strong cold front will approach on Thursday, bringing an end to the hot and humid conditions. Dry weather is expected overnight [1].
[1] - National Weather Service [2] - Weather Impact Alert [3] - Storm Prediction Center [4] - Heat Advisory [5] - Weather Prediction Center
On Thursday, the strong thunderstorms forecasted could cause heavy rain, flooding, and damaging wind gusts, signaling the importance of weather-forecasting for the DMV region to prepare for the potential severe weather. By Friday, the weather-forecasting shows a drop in temperatures, with partly sunny skies and a chance of showers or thunderstorms, accompanied by cooler temperatures.
