Radar courtesy MyRadar | ？ OpenStreetMap contributors
* Severe thunderstorm watch until midnight | Flash flood watch north of District until 2 a.m. *
8:55 p.m. — Severe thunderstorm watch until midnight
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Radar and short-term model forecasts suggest storms developing to our west and northwest will expand to the east over the next couple hours. The atmosphere is sufficiently unstable that some storms could be severe with some damaging wind gusts and the outside chance of a brief tornado.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until midnight, although storms with heavy rain could continue until 2 or 3 a.m. A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms and you should monitor conditions. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, it means a severe storm is imminent and you should seek shelter.
6:20 p.m. — Flash flood watch issued north of the District until 2 a.m.
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Showers and storms this evening, probably heaviest north of the District, could cause some pockets of flash flooding. While average rainfall amounts of one-half to one inch are expected, “thunderstorms will contain very heavy rainfall with rainfall rates around 1 to 3 inches per hour,” the National Weather Service wrote in its flash flood watch statement. “Localized rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible.”
Storms may develop after around 9 p.m. and could be rather numerous into the predawn hours. Remember never attempt to cross a flooded road in your vehicle. Turn around.
Original article from 4:45 p.m.
Highs in the mid- and upper 80s today felt on the summery side, thanks to relatively high humidity ahead of a cold front. That front is moving our way from the west. As it passes, it’ll deliver some showers and storms. Rain could linger into Thursday, but conditions should generally turn better with time, if they do.
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Through tonight: Although a random pop-up is possible earlier, scattered showers and storms are probable late this evening and tonight. Some of this activity could be strong, with the main risks being heavy rain, lightning and perhaps isolated damaging wind. As much as half an inch to an inch could fall where storms are consistent, with other spots seeing considerably less. Lows will be in the mid-60s to about 70.
View the current weather at The Washington Post.
Tomorrow (Thursday): There could still be scattered showers around in the morning. Otherwise, skies will turn clearer with time as rain becomes less likely into the midday. A pop-up late in the day isn’t impossible. Afternoon temperatures will aim for the mid-70s to about 80, depending on how quickly we get rain to end and sunshine to break through. Winds will be from the northwest around 5 mph.
See Dan Stillman’s forecast through the weekend. And if you haven’t already, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. For related traffic news, check out Gridlock.
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Pollen update: Weed pollen, mold spores and grass pollen are moderate/high. Tree pollen is low. The first half of September typically features the peak of ragweed pollen, if you’re sniffling these days.
Gulf system: Tropical Storm Mindy has formed in the northeast Gulf of Mexico as a small low-pressure system approaches land. Tropical storm conditions are possible for parts of the Florida Panhandle as it comes ashore tonight. Heavy rain will follow the storm inland over parts of Georgia and South Carolina into Thursday. The same cold front passing this region will help sweep it out to sea on Friday.
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