DC-area faces severe weather risk for second-straight day Thursday – WTOP News

The D.C. area is facing the risk of severe weather for the second straight day Thursday, after somewhat of a false alarm on Wednesday.

According to 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson, rain showers earlier in the day could escalate into powerful storms starting Thursday evening.

“Some rain is expected early in the morning, some scattered showers. Even at lunchtime … some scattered showers. But, for late afternoon and the evening tomorrow and just past midnight, that’s where we could see some of the heavier storms — around 6 p.m. to just past midnight,” she said.

The National Weather Service said Wednesday that the potential for thunderstorms the next several days is highest during the afternoon and evening hours, with the greatest remaining chance this week for anything strong to severe coming on Thursday.

Shower and thunderstorm chances are forecast each of the next several days. The potential for thunderstorms will be highest during the afternoon and evening hours most days. Some storms could be strong to severe today and Thursday. Latest: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr. pic.twitter.com/4PLfXEL0zt

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 22, 2024

Johnson said good news comes in the form of cloud cover.

“Our skies [on Thursday are] mostly cloudy, that actually will help things, to keep maybe our storms from being as intense for the afternoon hours, but still looking at a few of them that might deliver some hail and could even deliver some high winds throughout the area and certainly some downpours,” she said.

Thursday’s storm chance comes after a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued Wednesday afternoon into the evening. While there were some pop-up showers and storms, the D.C. area didn’t see any severe weather.

Full Forecast

THURSDAY: STORM ALERT. Mostly cloudy. Thunderstorms likely
Highs: 80-85
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Clouds, too many or the lack of, will play a big role in Thursday’s severe weather potential. A cold front will move across the DMV, however, the cloudier the skies, the less likely severe storms will be. Any storm that develops, especially with added sunshine, may bring gusty winds and hail.

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Stray thundershowers
Highs: 82-86
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
We’ll enjoy more sunshine to round out the week and kick off the long, holiday weekend. A few showers and storms could bubble up around lunchtime through the afternoon. Any cells that develop could bring a quick downpour with brightening skies afterward. Drier weather is expected for your Friday evening plans.

SATURDAY: Scattered showers and storms
Highs: 78-83
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely Saturday. Although it won’t be a washout, stay weather alert for any stronger storms.

SUNDAY: Partly sunny. Isolated thunderstorms
Highs: around 85
Winds: South 5-10 mph
Looking ahead to the long holiday weekend, shower and thunderstorm chances appear to be the lowest Sunday. Plan for warm highs in the middle 80s.

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