Have an umbrella handy as the D.C. region is expected to receive showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service has put the following areas under a severe thunderstorm watch between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.:
Not as hot today, but still humid with numerous afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Storms today will pack damaging winds & isolated instances of flooding. Flood Watches have been issued from 3-10pm for both the Baltimore/DC metro areas. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/2DvojEuS9V
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 3, 2024
“Afternoon and evening storms are likely, with a few strong to severe storms with gusty winds and downpours,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans said.
Some parts of the D.C. area experienced dramatic temperature hikes during Friday’s excessive heat warning, with the heat index possibly reaching 110 degrees in the District, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties in Maryland, and Arlington, Falls Church and Alexandria in Virginia. Temperatures at Dulles Airport reached 101 degrees, surpassing the previously measured record of 100 degrees.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser activated an extended heat emergency starting Friday until Tuesday, Aug. 6 or until conditions improve. During the emergency, additional outreach teams from multiple city agencies will conduct welfare checks and additional cooling centers are opened to help residents cool down from the heat.
Also as a result of the heat, schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, canceled all outdoor activities on fields and courts through 8 p.m. Friday. The parks and recreation department in Prince George’s County, Maryland, also canceled the majority of its outdoor programs. However, the Boat Ride at Bladensburg Waterfront Park and Movies in the Park at Watkins Regional Park will continue with additional safety protocols in place.
Check your local school district and county government for guidance on outdoor activities.
The weekend will be a little better, but Saturday will have feels-like temperatures in the 100s with highs in the low to mid-90s. 7News First Alert Meteorologist Brian Van de Graaff said the weekend forecast includes scattered storms for your Saturday afternoon as well. Sunday will have highs around 90 degrees.
“Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible on Saturday during the afternoon and evening hours. The primary threat will be damaging wind gusts and isolated flash flooding in urban areas,” the ?NWS forecast for Saturday.
This latest heat wave comes after the D.C. area had its fourth hottest July on record and the third hottest since 2011, according to Evans. The D.C. area has already seen 36 days at or above 90 degrees, almost reaching the annual average of 40.
WTOP’s Kyle Cooper reported that in the WTOP listening area, the heat wave led to a rise in hospital visits.
In Maryland, almost 1,000 people have gone to an emergency room since May for heat-related illnesses, and 14 have died, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
In Virginia, over 2,500 people have gone to the emergency room since May, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
State officials are urging people to limit their time outdoors and drink water.
Jordan Evans 7News First Alert Meteorologist
TODAY:
STORM ALERT
Mostly cloudy, scattered strong storms
Highs: 85-92
Winds: Southwest 5-15 mph
More clouds than sunshine today. Afternoon and evening storms are likely, with a few strong to severe storms with gusty winds and downpours. Temperatures remain lower in the low 90s.
TONIGHT:
Mostly cloudy, scattered showers
Lows: 72-77
Winds: Southwest 5 mph
Storm chances should end before midnight, otherwise mostly cloudy with lows in the 70s.
SUNDAY:
Passing clouds, isolated storms
Highs: 85-90
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Storm coverage remains less, but a few heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds are possible. High temperatures may stay out of the 90s for some areas. A drop in humidity is expected early next week.
