Hot, humid weather expected in Washington DC on Tuesday, with a chance of sporadic rain showers emerging in the afternoon hours.
Washington, DC residents are in for a treat this coming Tuesday and Wednesday as they can expect a cool, moist weather forecast and the annual Perseid Meteor Shower.
According to the latest weather forecast, high pressure will funnel cool and moist air from the Atlantic, resulting in temperatures in the low 70s to low 80s and mostly overcast skies. As Tuesday progresses, there's a chance for a stray, pop-up shower or storm, but the sunshine is expected to return by late morning and continue into the afternoon hours. The sun will set at 8:07 p.m. on Tuesday, setting the stage for meteor shower viewing.
The best time to view the Perseid Meteor Shower is Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, with peak activity around 2–3 a.m. on Wednesday. Meteors can be seen from about 10 p.m. Tuesday onward, but the highest frequency (a shooting star every 10 to 20 minutes) occurs around the peak hours. The moon will be about 84% full at that time, which could reduce visibility somewhat.
For optimal viewing, look toward the north or northeast around midnight, and if awake before dawn, look east. The Perseids are active through August 23rd, with the peak around August 12–13, but viewing the peak is still recommended Tuesday-Wednesday closely following that date.
Unfortunately, a cold front is expected to approach Wednesday and push through Wednesday night, bringing some change in conditions. Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday, with higher rain and storm chances. After high temperatures will reach 90-degrees, heat-index values are expected to be in the mid to upper 90s. An approaching front may trigger the thunderstorms, and commuters could see fog and low clouds on Tuesday morning.
As a weather maker approaches the area on Wednesday, it will bring increased rain and storm chances. While the weather on Tuesday night should be good for meteor shower viewing, some drizzle and fog are possible Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The weather on Wednesday night is not specified in the current forecast.
Despite the approaching front and potential for rain, the month of August has featured below-average temperatures up to this point, making this a welcome change from the summer heat. So, plan to watch the Perseids on Tuesday night into early Wednesday, although the moonlight may affect visibility. Weather should be mostly cloudy but not rainy during peak viewing hours.
Weather forecast for Tuesday predicts cool and moist air from the Atlantic, ideal for the Perseid Meteor Shower viewing. Meanwhile, the following night, Wednesday, may bring scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms, potentially affecting the meteor shower viewing.
