The temperate conditions that have blanketed the D.C. area recently are turning more turbulent Friday. Heat and humidity are fueling the heavy rain moving quickly across the region this evening.
Here’s what you need to know.
Thunderstorms are starting to dissipate and move out of the region now, with rain projected to end by 10 to 11 p.m.
Heavy showers first started moving through the area around 5 p.m., with a few severe thunderstorm warnings issued by the National Weather Service from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
7News Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said the warnings were issued because of the potential for some damaging winds and even hail.
“Could be some three-quarter inch size hail here and some winds any where from 50 to 60 miles per hour,” Johnson said.
Much of Virginia, Maryland and all of D.C. is currently under a Level One Severe Storm risk, putting 7News First Alert Weather on STORM ALERT. From the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Level One risk (one out of five) means isolated severe thunderstorms are possible and are limited in duration and intensity.
While it’s not as severe as the unusual Level Four risk that caused a line of tornado warnings and destructive thunderstorms earlier this month, people in the region should still be prepared for the possibility of severe weather.
Current weather:
The isolated storms will give way to a few clouds, the possibility of a stray shower, and lows in the 70s Friday night.
Muggy conditions will continue Saturday with highs in the upper 80s, a heat index in the low 90s and the possibility of a passing shower. Sunday looks to be drier with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It’ll be a nice break before another weather maker arrives Monday, bringing along more possibilities of rain.
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Forecast:
FRIDAY: Chance AM Rain, PM T-Storms. Highs: Around 90. Heat Index: 95-100.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Chance Rain, Storms Early. Partly Cloudy Overnight. Lows: 69-76.
SATURDAY: Partly to Mostly Sunny. Highs: Upper 80s. Heat Index: Low 90s.