Updated forecast: Storms depart ushering in less hot weather (2024)

Rainfall amounts were highly variable and probably unsatisfactory for many considering the drought conditions. The heaviest totals were in our southwest suburbs where a few spots saw 0.5 to 1.0 inches; otherwise amounts were generally less than 0.2 inches.

Temperatures did cool off significantly after the rain came through, dropping from the low 90s to the upper 70s and low 80s.

This is our final update for tonight. Scroll down for the forecast through tomorrow and enjoy the beautiful rainbow picture below.

8:15 p.m. — Storms pushing east of Interstate 95, heaviest in Charles County

For the most part, the storms this evening haven’t been particularly intense but continue to unleash some downpours, lightning and a few strong wind gusts. They’re currently stretching from just east of Columbia through the District into Charles County.

The most intense storm activity is located in western Charles County and will progress northeast toward La Plata and Waldorf over the next 45 minutes.

As the storms continue progressing east of I-95, they should reach the Chesapeake Bay between 9 and 9:30 p.m.

The storms have helped temperatures cool off by about 15 degrees and heat alerts have been discontinued. Most places west of the District are now the upper 70s after being above 90 before the storms. They’re also producing beautiful rainbows in their wake.

We’ll post a final update between 9 and 9:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. — Storms entering the Beltway area; locally strong wind gusts possible along with heavy rain

Storms containing heavy rain, lightning and some pockets of strong winds stretch from near Germantown through much of central Fairfax County to Dale City in Prince Willliam County. Radar suggests some of the gustiest winds near McLean and also Gaithersburg.

The entire line will pass through the Beltway area over the next hour offering some needed rain but also dangerous lightning and potential for a few damaging wind gusts over 50 mph. Head inside when you hear thunder. The storms should reach areas east of the Beltway around 8 p.m. and the Chesapeake Bay closer to 9 p.m.

Perhaps the best part of the storms is that they’ll lower temperatures as they pass.

We’ll post another update around 8:15 p.m.

6:45 p.m. — Storms approaching Beltway area; severe storm warning for Manassas, Centreville, Oakton, Fairfax and Burke

Radar shows a strong line of storms from near Ashburn in Loudoun County south through Gainesville and Nokesville in Fauquier County. These storms are moving northeast at 45 mph and will pass through the immediate D.C. area over the next one to two hours. It should move inside the Beltway around 7:30 p.m. and reach our eastern suburbs around 8 p.m.

The most intense activity is heading into Manassas and toward Fairfax, where a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 7:30 p.m. Wind gusts could reach 60 mph in this zone.

We’ll post another update around 7:30 p.m.

5:45 p.m. — Storms building to the southwest of Washington — will probably sweep through area next few hours

A strong line of thunderstorms is developing from around Warrenton to just east of Charlottesville and is heading to the northeast. In fact, a severe thunderstorm warning was just issued for central Fauquier County, including Warrenton, until 6:15 p.m, for potentially damaging wind gusts.

These storms have developed a little ahead of schedule and should affect our western and southwestern suburbs over the next hour or so and then move into the immediate area between 7 and 8 p.m.

We’ll post another update in about an hour or earlier if necessary.

Original article from around 2 p.m.

The combination of heat and humidity has pushed heat indexes over 105 for the third straight day in the D.C. area. The steamy air could fuel some severe thunderstorms in the region Wednesday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. This means ingredients are in place for severe storms and that you should remain weather-aware. While severe storms are not a guarantee for any particular location, any that develop could produce damaging winds in addition to heavy rain and lightning. There’s also a small chance of a tornado in the region. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your location, seek shelter immediately.

The storms will bring much-needed rain where they hit and help lower the heat and humidity some on Thursday.

Through Tonight: A broken line of storms approaches from the west as we head into evening. It should reach the Interstate 95 corridor around sunset. Although it should pass quickly, brief torrential rain, lightning and perhaps some wind damage or an isolated tornado are all possible as it passes. With clearing behind the storms, lows range from near 70 to the mid-70s.

Tomorrow (Thursday): Somewhat lower humidity moves in behind the weak cold front inciting the storms. Sunshine is dominant as highs probably reach for 90 and into the low 90s.

Storms could produce a tornado or two: The weather system affecting our region Wednesday afternoon and evening includes the remnants of Hurricane Beryl passing to our north, which have already spawned tornadoes in New York state. Typically we are cautious with the approach of the swirling wind fields in these larger systems. This tends to increase the wind shear (change in wind speed and direction) in the lower atmosphere, and can help organize small pockets of enhanced spin in thunderstorms. We think the tendency for weak tornadoes is greatest toward the Mason-Dixon Line and Pennsylvania in particular, but we cannot rule out a quick twister closer to Washing