A sticky Monday heat across the D.C. region is giving way to a more dangerous afternoon setup, with strong storms capable of producing damaging wind and torrential rain. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the area until 9 p.m.
7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña said the strongest storms could bring “damaging winds up to 68 mph as well as bringing very heavy rainmakers.” He said some neighborhoods could see anywhere from around a half inch to over an inch of rain in a short period.
What to watch Monday afternoon
Temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s before the heaviest weather arrives, and the sudden downpours could quickly overwhelm roads. Peña warned that the rain may help ease drought conditions over several days, but the immediate impact could be hazardous for drivers, especially where water collects fast.
Motorists are being urged to use caution and follow the reminder to “turn around, don’t drown” if water begins covering roadways. The threat is expected to ease into the evening, though showers may linger overnight.
What comes next
Tuesday should be cooler, with highs in the 80s and a continued chance of showers and storms. The rest of the forecast points to mostly cloudy conditions early in the week before drier and warmer weather returns midweek.
Forecast at a glance
| Day | Forecast | Highs | Winds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Mostly cloudy with afternoon heavy storms | 85 to 92 | Southwest 10-15 mph, gusts to 20 mph |
| Monday night | Mostly cloudy with scattered showers | 67 to 74 | Northwest 5 mph |
| Tuesday | Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and storms | 75 to 80 | Northwest 5-15 mph |
| Wednesday | Mostly sunny | 82 to 86 | Northwest 5-10 mph |
| Thursday | Partly cloudy with a chance of storms | 85 to 90 | South 5-10 mph |
The severe weather threat drops later Monday, but the combination of heat, fast rain, and lingering showers could still affect the region well into the night. WTOP says the unsettled pattern should ease by midweek as temperatures recover into the 80s.
