DC Area Weather Forecast: Heat Increases as Storms Could Produce Their Own Fireworks

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* Heat warning from 12:00 to 20:00 Thursday and Friday *

A somewhat subjective assessment of the day’s weather, on a scale of 0 to 10.

4/10: There is talk of heat and a storm pattern looming. Hopefully not at the right time to disrupt the fireworks.

  • Today: Partly sunny, increasing humidity; afternoon storms possible. Highs: 89-94
  • This evening: Showers/thunderstorms will continue in the evening, humid with minimal wind. Lows: 68-76
  • Tomorrow: Partly cloudy, humid with showers/storms mainly in the afternoon. Highs: 89-95

Happy Fourth of July! After several pleasant days, the heat and humidity return strongly today and will continue into the weekend. The steamy air could bring showers and storms, especially in the late afternoon and evening, each of the next three days. The hope is that the showers will pass before the fireworks on the National Mall tonight, but rain gear would be a good idea. A weak cool front will bring meager relief on Sunday.

Today (Independence Day): Winds from the southwest bring humidity back to the area (dew points rise to the low 70s). Highs are usually in the low 90s and can feel closer to 100 or even 105, considering the muggy conditions. Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if you are outside for long periods.

Clouds will bubble up in the afternoon and a band of showers and storms will likely move through the area between mid-afternoon and evening. Storms can produce dangerous lightning, heavy downpours and some strong wind gusts. Confidence: Medium-High

This evening: At this time, it looks like the bulk of the showers and storms will move east around sunset, so fireworks after sunset should be possible in most areas. The wind will be too light to move the smoke much and it will be hazy with temperatures in the 80s. Overnight lows will range from the upper 60s to mid 70s. Confidence: Medium-High

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Tomorrow Friday): Clouds will still be present from yesterday’s storms, but sunshine should still break through, bringing highs mainly into the low to mid 90s; high humidity will make it feel about 10 degrees warmer. This should destabilize the atmosphere enough to allow for more showers and storms, mainly in the late afternoon. Winds will be minimal, except during storms. Confidence: Medium-High

Tomorrow evening: The shower and storm threat will continue throughout the evening, but should decrease after midnight. The night will be a steamy night with lows ranging up to 70. Confidence: Medium-High

Clouds disappear Saturday morning but will rebuild in the afternoon as a cool front to the north gets a gentle push our way. This will bring another round of scattered afternoon showers and storms that could last well into the night. It will remain uncomfortably warm and humid with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and lows in the upper 60s to mid 70s. Confidence: Medium-High

Hopefully the cold front will have enough strength to blow some drier air into the area. Sunday. Highs are still expected to reach the upper 80s to lower 90s. While a stray storm cannot be ruled out, the bulk of the activity will be concentrated to the east and south. Overnight lows will drop to the mid 60s to lower 70s. Confidence: Medium

Monday should still be only moderately humid with highs again in the upper 80s to lower 90s under fairly sunny skies for a bearable start to the new week. Confidence: Average

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