The good news is that the recent rain has dropped temperatures in most locations to the mid to high 70s Fahrenheit, but it’s still very humid.
4:45pm — Storms in nearby areas
Thunderstorms are approaching the city and the National Mall. A front is in a line from Great Falls, Oakton to Fairfax, moving east.
The storm will hit inside the Beltway between 5-6pm, with the first raindrops likely to arrive earlier. Very heavy rain and thunder is possible along the storm’s path.
Take refuge indoors whenever possible.
The good news is that this fireworks display will likely be the main event, meaning it will go off as scheduled – but with high humidity.
Please be aware of lightning, be flexible in your plans, and have nearby indoor shelter between now and tonight. Stay hydrated and stay in the shade if possible. One or more severe storms are possible through tonight, along with poor air quality and heat indices nearing 100 degrees.
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Until tonight: Thunderstorms may be severe with high winds, dangerous lightning and heavy rain and may not end before the National Mall fireworks begin. Timing is delicate this evening as one or more storms may develop, but most activity should be over by 11pm. Having rain gear and a nearby shelter is recommended. More information on this severe weather threat is available below.
If you’re outdoors, your risk of heatstroke increases until 8 p.m., when the heat index (temperature and humidity) slowly drops to the mid-90s. By sunrise, the thermometer alone should be in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Expect it to be very muggy in mid-summer.
Tomorrow (Friday): In the hottest and most humid locations, temperatures may feel as high as 110°F by afternoon. There will be a few clouds as early morning showers and storms are possible. Southwesterly breezes will become more prominent as showers and storms become possible mid-afternoon through the evening. The strongest storms may remain west of town. Temperatures will top out around 95°, but will drop to the muggy 70s F at night.
Severe storms possible tonight
One or more severe storms with wind gusts over 57 mph, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall causing flooding are possible this afternoon through tonight. Here is a timeline of the overall severe storm “margins” (1 in 5) chances through tonight:
- what: Multiple storms may form, rather than one clear line or cluster.
- timingSevere storms will be most likely between 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM, but less intense storms are possible later in the evening.
- threatWind gusts exceeding 57 mph (top graph), heavy rains with flooding from slow-moving storms (bottom graph), and frequent dangerous lightning
- Geography: Storm movement will generally be from west to east, likely developing over the western mountain ranges in the early afternoon. The storms will move east toward Washington, DC, through the evening.
- CommentaryWhile the storm threat level is not as high or widespread, we are being a bit more vocal about our warnings this holiday because we are all more likely to be outdoors and more susceptible to storm damage.
