Wednesday afternoon is expected to be marked by an unstable weather environment as tropical-like moisture flows into the region before a stalled front. A Flash Flood Warning has been activated for Washington D.C. and its neighboring areas until 8:45 p.m. due to the risk of local flash flooding resulting from heavy rainfall.
Forecasts predict that slow-moving thunderstorms could produce torrential rain, with rates reaching up to 3 inches per hour in some locations. A Flood Watch is also in effect until midnight, and urban flooding poses a significant threat during the evening commute and overnight, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
In addition to the flooding risks, damaging winds are another concern as storms approach. Wind gusts could reach as high as 70 mph, and hail the size of ping pong balls may occur. A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in place for the area through this evening.
The First Alert Weather Team is actively monitoring the situation and remains on both STORM ALERT and FLOOD ALERT throughout the evening.
In the D.C. metro area, storms are expected between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., while southern Maryland will experience storm activity later in the evening as the storms gradually move from west to east.
Overnight temperatures will remain in the mid-70s with high humidity levels persisting. Expect Thursday to bring a slight relief from heat but an increase in cloud cover and showers. Highs will range from the lower to middle 80s, and humidity will continue influencing the typical D.C. summer weather pattern. Scattered to widespread storms are anticipated again in the afternoon, potentially leading to localized flooding especially in regions that have already experienced significant rainfall this week.
Storm chances will slightly decrease on Friday, though humidity and cloud cover will remain, leading to more late-afternoon storms with highs returning to the upper 80s. Any storm could bring moderate to heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning.
As the weekend approaches, the forecast suggests a trend toward drier conditions. On Saturday, expect partly cloudy skies with the chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, with storms likely to be sporadic but capable of brief heavy rain. Highs may reach into the lower 90s, with heat indices soaring into the upper 90s during midday before clouds and storms develop.
Stay informed about weather updates to be prepared for the fluctuations in conditions.