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Tag: dc weather

  • DC region under storm alert due to nor’easter storm bringing steady rain, heavy winds – WTOP News

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    The D.C. region will be under a storm alert into Monday, as a nor’easter storm impacting the East Coast will bring heavy winds and rain.

    The D.C. region will be under a storm alert into Monday, as a nor’easter storm impacting the East Coast will bring heavy winds and rain.

    The storm could bring “dangerous rip currents, gusty winds and heavy rain up much of the East Coast through early next week,” according to the National Weather Service.

    Meaning travel, whether by flight or by car around the region, could be significantly impacted.

    While Sunday’s rain is not expected to be heavy, it will be windy with gusts up to 45 mph across the D.C. area. Temperatures will remain in the 60s throughout the day. Rain and wind continue overnight, with gusts likely to reach 35 to 40 mph.

    Coastal flooding concerns also continue overnight, with the high tide along the Potomac River.

    As the coastal low begins to move away from the Mid-Atlantic, wind-swept showers continue Monday, with northerly wind gusts up to 40 mph. Expected rainfall will range from a half-inch to over two inches across the D.C. area, with the highest rainfall totals east of Interstate 95.

    Highs will range between the upper 50s to lower 60s.

    According to WTOP’s Steve Dresner, the nor’easter storm could be around for awhile and slow to leave the area.

    A few showers may remain Tuesday morning, then clouds and winds should decrease throughout the day. Some sunshine in the afternoon should allow temperatures to near 70.

    Winds remain breezy out of the North Wednesday, but more sunshine and higher temperatures in the 70s are expected.

    7News First Alert Forecast

    TODAY: STORM ALERT: Rain, windy. Highs between 60 and 65.
    Winds: Northeast 25-30 mph

    TONIGHT: STORM ALERT: Showers. Lows between 57 and 63.
    Winds: Northeast 15-25 mph

    MONDAY: STORM ALERT: Rain, windy. Highs between 56 and 62.
    Winds: North 20-30 mph

    TUESDAY: Morning showers, breezy. Highs between 62 and 68.
    Winds: North 15-25 mph

    WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, breezy. Highs between 66 and 73.
    Winds: North 10-20 mph

    CURRENT CONDITIONS

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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  • Prime barbecue weather for Labor Day weekend forecast in DC area – WTOP News

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    The holiday weekend forecast is promising comfortable temperatures and clear skies in the D.C. region as the U.S. commemorates Labor Day.

    It’s set to be a stunning Labor Day weekend in the D.C. region with comfortably warm temperatures, mostly sunny skies and altogether a forecast prime for picnics, parades and outdoor festivities.

    There will be some points during the holiday weekend where you might want to grab some sunscreen to avoid a late-season burn or a light jacket to stay warm through a chilly morning.

    Wake-up temperatures on Saturday will be in the 50s, a bit cooler than usual for late August.

    Saturday will be cooler than Friday but northwest winds are expected to calm down a bit.

    Morning clouds are expected to move out by Saturday afternoon — making way for sunny skies and highs in the mid to upper 70s. There will be a light breeze throughout the day of 5 to 10 mph and low humidity.

    “A little cooler for your Saturday, with highs in the mid to upper 70s,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña said. “But this stretch of pleasant weather continues all the way through Labor Day, Monday, with temperatures back right around 80 degrees, overnight lows in the 50s and our next best chance of rain doesn’t enter the forecast until about a week from now.”

    Sunday’s forecast keeps up with a similar pattern. It will start off brisk with temperatures in the 40s and 50s.

    Things warm back up to 80 in the afternoon and low humidity sticks around.

    Labor Day temperatures will reach the low to mid-80s with southeast winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph. Skies will be clear through Monday afternoon and evening.

    Temperatures near the Delmarva beaches will be in the upper 70s, cooler than the D.C. area Monday.

    7News First Alert Forecast

    SATURDAY:
    Becoming Mostly Sunny
    Highs: 75-80
    Winds: North 5-10 mph
    It will be a chilly morning considering the time of year with some scattered clouds to kick-off the day. Skies will become clear during the afternoon with highs staying below 80 degrees. With low humidity and relatively light winds, the forecast looks perfect for all your outdoor plans!

    SUNDAY:
    Mostly Sunny
    Highs: near 80
    Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
    Crisp morning temperatures in the 40s and 50s will give way to sunny and comfortable afternoon high temperatures on either side of 80 degrees. Plan for bright, blue skies and low humidity.

    LABOR DAY:
    Partly Cloudy
    Highs: 78-83
    Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
    Sunshine will be a steady companion through the afternoon as temperatures peak in the lower to middle 80s. By evening, the skies remain mostly clear as temperatures slip comfortably into the upper 60s to lower 70s.

    TUESDAY:
    Mostly Sunny
    Highs: near 80
    Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
    Sunrise temps run cool — upper 50s to near 60 degrees making for a comfortable start to the shortened week. Sunshine dominates with afternoon highs topping out around 80. After-school and late-day activities are a firm go with temps easing back through the 70s and clear skies into the evening.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Jessica Kronzer

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  • Hoping for a lot of snow in the DC area this winter? What NOAA forecasters say we can expect – WTOP News

    Hoping for a lot of snow in the DC area this winter? What NOAA forecasters say we can expect – WTOP News

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    The D.C. area will probably not be seeing a lot of snow this winter, according to NOAA.

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    Hoping for a lot of snow in the DC area this winter?

    Anyone who steps outside in the morning can tell that fall is in full swing and winter is on the way. While the D.C. area saw some snowstorms last year, there are no promises it’ll happen again this year.

    Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are blaming it all on La Nina, which sees stronger than normal trade winds blowing warmer water on the surface of the ocean, west toward Asia. That leaves a mass of colder than usual water in the central Pacific Ocean, pushing the jet stream further to the north. For us, that usually means less snow.

    “For the mid-Atlantic region, or greater D.C. area, we are favoring above normal temperatures along the Eastern Seaboard, including the D.C. metro area,” said Jon Gottschalck, senior forecaster with NOAA.

    When La Nina pushes the jet stream to the north, it means most of our weather comes directly from the west, and so higher amounts of precipitation are in the forecast for the more mountainous parts of the region west of D.C. and beyond into the Ohio Valley.

    “One thing that’s often the case with La Nina … is that, typically, with the warmer conditions and a more storm track to the west, there typically is less snowfall in the mid-Atlantic region,” said Gottschalck.

    He’s predicting a lot of snow around the Great Lakes and the Northern Plains of the U.S. The lakes effect snow in the earlier parts of the winter, when they are warmer and can supply a lot of moisture. Colder spells later in the winter keep the snow chances going.

    Normally, the really big snowstorms that hit the D.C. region come when the jet stream dips to the south and pulls up moisture from the ocean into the area. Last year, when the D.C. area finally got snow again, the Pacific Ocean was seeing a strong El Niño, which is the opposite of La Nina.

    The current predictions also tend to not favor much in the way of the so-called “Polar Vortex” around here — those long stretches of dangerously cold weather when air masses from Canada settle over us.

    If you’re a snow lover disappointed by all this, it should also be noted that NOAA expects this winter’s La Nina to be on the weaker side of things, so forecasters also aren’t nearly as certain things will play out this way.

    “The winter outlook is probabilistic in nature,” noted Gottschalck. “However, the nature of a probabilistic forecast means that other outcomes are always possible. Though they are less likely. In fact, for our probabilities to be consistent with the nature of this outlook, that less likely outcome must occur from time to time.”

    The odds are also evenly split between a wetter than normal winter, a normal winter or a dryer than usual winter for the D.C. region — so a snowstorm is still a possibility, even if it’s less likely to occur.

    “There is a dry signal for less snowfall in that region,” Gottschalck said. “But there’s more uncertainty given the weaker La Nina. So generally warmer, kind of uncertain with precipitation, potentially less snowfall this year for the D.C. area.”

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    John Domen

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  • When will freezing temps reach DC region? It’s not time to bundle up just yet – WTOP News

    When will freezing temps reach DC region? It’s not time to bundle up just yet – WTOP News

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    With fewer hours of daylight and pumpkin spice’s takeover front of mind, fall is in full swing in the D.C. area. But chilly temperatures haven’t arrived to demand residents yank those puffy coats out of storage. 

    With fewer hours of daylight and pumpkin spice’s takeover front of mind, fall is in full swing in the D.C. area. But freezing temperatures haven’t arrived to demand residents yank those puffy coats out of storage.

    Here’s what you need to know about when the first frost is expected.

    Every 10 years, the 30-year climate averages get updated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The current 1991-2020 data set has been used for a few years, but early this month, the local weather service updated the median date (date in the middle of the data set) for the first hard frost of the season and spring’s last hard freeze date.

    For D.C., the frost that ends the growing season occurs on or about Nov. 1. This lines up with the first fall freeze date from the previous climate normal (1971-2000) of Oct. 29 to Nov. 5.

    In Baltimore, Maryland, the median date for the season’s first hard frost is also Nov. 1. This hasn’t changed much from 20 years ago when the date was Oct. 29 to Nov. 5.

    Two maps show the median dates of the first fall freeze and spring freeze. (Courtesy National Weather Service)

    The National Weather Service will put out freeze watches and warnings until the first hard freeze occurs, which happens on clear, calm nights with temperatures of 28 degrees or colder. Temperatures that cold end the growing season, even for hearty plants.

    There’s a fly in the ointment. If we don’t see a killing frost by Nov. 15, the weather service will declare the growing season over. This happens by default because all vegetation becomes dormant thanks to lack of sunlight that shuts down the photosynthesis process in plants. Freeze watches and warnings will not be issued after Nov. 15 — even if the temperature drops for the first time of the fall season to 28 degrees or colder.

    The median date for the last spring freeze in D.C. and Baltimore is April 11. Typically, after this date, vegetation is in bloom and temperatures at or below 28 degrees would be detrimental to the development for the growing season.

    While the D.C. area has chilly temperatures in the forecast on occasion through the next two weeks, the Interstate 95 corridor is not expected to see a killing frost.

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Chad Merrill

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  • Tropical Storm Helene brings more wet weather to DC area as it moves north – WTOP News

    Tropical Storm Helene brings more wet weather to DC area as it moves north – WTOP News

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    Hurricane Helene, which was strengthened to a category four storm Thursday evening, will continue its way north toward the D.C. region, bringing tropical rain and potential flooding Friday. Here’s what you need to know.

    Listen live to WTOP online and on 103.5FM for traffic and weather updates on the 8s.

    Tropical Storm Helene is expected to continue traveling north toward the D.C. region, bringing tropical rain and potential flooding Friday afternoon and evening. Here’s what you need to know.

    Friday afternoon travelers heading along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge saw significant delays through Annapolis as officials started “two-way operations at US-50 near Annapolis.”

    “The rainy weather is preventing authorities from using two-way operations, except for small periods of time,” WTOP Traffic Reporter Ian Crawford reported. “Expect lengthy delays driving through Annapolis and across the Severn River Bridge, as you head for the Bay Bridge and the Eastern Shore.”

    Since delays began, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced an end to two-way operations due to inclement weather and heavy east bound delays on the Bay Bridge.

    These issues aren’t expected to ebb, as 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said, with storms grows in strength and moving north.

    Johnson said there will be larger risk of inland flooding and heavy winds that could knock down trees or electricity poles in the D.C. area.

    This is “the strongest hurricane since Ian back in 2022” as Helene was upgraded to a category four hurricane on Thursday night, she said. Winds were reaching 140 miles per hours, with gusts at 160 mph, when the hurricane first made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region late Thursday night

    Helene was downgraded to a tropical storm Friday morning as it rapidly moved north, through southern Georgia, before blowing inland around 5 a.m. The National Hurricane Center said winds could top 110 miles per hour as the storm moves over Appalachian areas.

    In the D.C. area, scattered showers Friday morning will increase through the afternoon and turn into some isolated thunderstorms as Helene passes by. 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña expects rainfall totals to reach 1.5 inches or higher.

    “We’ve got areas of rain with even rumbles of thunder in the forecast throughout much of the afternoon and evening,” Peña said. “And this is thanks to the outer edges of Helene that will start to move through central and northern Virginia, starting to clip areas of the DMV later this afternoon.”

    Parts of western and central Virginia are under a Flood Watch through Friday evening as the National Weather Service predicts excessive runoff from bodies of water, which could flood lowers areas with poor drainage. The weather service has also issued a Coastal Flood Warnings for D.C., Arlington, central Virginia and Charles County, Maryland.

    Local response to Tropical Storm Helene

    To help with the response to the tropical storm, search and rescue teams from Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland have been sent down to help.

    Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Wednesday evening “in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Helene later this week,” his office wrote in a release.

    Youngkin said Virginians should still “remain vigilant” and keep an eye out for larger weather impacts, as storm forecasts can change rapidly.

    “As high winds and heavy rains are predicted for parts of Virginia, we urge everyone to stay informed through trusted resources and follow the direction of your local officials,” Youngkin said.

    The state of emergency allows Virginia “to mobilize resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts,” according to the governor’s office.

    Meanwhile, officials in Montgomery County Maryland said the state’s Task Force 1 was monitoring the hurricane from Macon, Georgia through at least Friday.

    The 45-person and 4-canine crew stationed in the city through the overnight hours as staff awaited direction from federal and state emergency management officials, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer. The group, he said, was likely to shelter in place as life-threatening conditions impact the state.

    Forecast

    FRIDAY EVENING:
    Showers, isolated thunderstorms. Breezy.
    Sunset: 6:56 p.m.
    Temperatures: 70s
    Winds: East 5-15 mph, gusts up to 25 mph
    Wet weather continues to pivot across the DMV, courtesy of what was once powerful Hurricane Helene. While it will be breezy at times across the D.C. area, gustier winds will be found across southwest Virginia and along the Interstate 81 corridor. 

    FRIDAY NIGHT:
    Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms. Thunderstorms possible. Breezy.
    Lows: 65-72
    Winds: East 5-15, Gusts to 20-30 mph

    SATURDAY:
    Early morning showers possible. Turning partly cloudy.
    Highs: lower 80s
    Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
    Early morning clouds and a lingering rain chance Saturday will give way to some sunshine. It will be warm and humid with highs in the lower 80s.

    SUNDAY:
    Mostly cloudy, more showers
    Highs:     around 75
    Winds:     East 5-10 mph
    Clouds are set to increase with added shower chances Sunday. Wet weather will likely linger into early next week. 

    Current Conditions

    WTOP’s Ian Crawford, Emily Venezky, Ivy Lyons and Ciara Wells contributed to this report.

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    WTOP Staff

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  • After the sun, comes the rain: DC area sees heavy storms and hail as humidity brings temps up – WTOP News

    After the sun, comes the rain: DC area sees heavy storms and hail as humidity brings temps up – WTOP News

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    After a hot and humid day dried the ground out in the D.C. area, a wave of thunderstorms and heavy winds have entered the region.

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    Damaging hail reported as storms sweep DC region

    After a hot and humid day dried the ground, a wave of thunderstorms with heavy winds descended on the D.C. area, prompting flash flood warnings across the region. Here’s what you need to know.

    Between 1.5 to 3 inches of rain are expected, adding onto the already 2-4 inches of rain that have fallen. A flood warning is in effect for Prince William and Stafford counties until 2 a.m. Friday.

    Officials cautioned motorists to stay off roads near bodies of water or until the heaviest rain passes. Those in affected areas are advised to stay indoors, secure loose outdoor objects and stay away from standing floodwater.

    Quarter to golf ball-sized hails and 60 mph wind gusts battered the area, according to the National Weather Service.

    WTOP meteorologist Mike Stinneford reported that hail was seen in Germantown, and has broken windows of building and cars in Sterling, Virginia.

    “(This area) is getting hit really hard right now,” Stinneford said. “It’s very unusual to see a hailstorm like this so late in the year.”

    There is a ground stop in effect for Reagan National and Dulles International airports until 12:45 a.m. and 12:30 a.m., respectively, due to the storms. BWI Marshall is closed to “diversions” until 2 a.m. Friday and is also under a ground stop until 12:30 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

    WTOP’s Scott Gelman who reported from Dulles Town Center on Thursday night said many residents were scared by the hail and that it would harm their homes and cars.

    If you need another reason to stay in the house today, there is also a Code Orange air quality alert in effect for southern Maryland on Thursday afternoon by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. This means sensitive groups — including children, elderly people and people with health conditions like asthma — are most affected under the poor air quality.

    Friday will be mostly muggy but drier and cooler, bringing in better weather overall before the long weekend. Temperatures are forecast to peak in the upper 70s.

    FORECAST

    THURSDAY EVENING:
    STORM ALERT
    Areas of Rain, Thunderstorms
    Moderate to Heavy at Times
    Temperatures: 80s to 70s
    Winds: East 5-15 mph
    Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue through the evening. Some storms may contain gusty winds and pockets of moderate to heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service has put parts of the DMV under a flood watch until midnight. While it does not include areas inside and around the beltway, the situation may warrant the expansion of the alerted area.

    TONIGHT:
    Lingering Showers/Storms End
    Mostly Cloudy
    Lows: 68-75
    Winds: East 5 mph
    Rain and storms will end before midnight with cloudy and very humid conditions overnight. Areas of patchy fog are possible.

    FRIDAY:
    Cloudy
    Stray Showers
    Highs: 75-80
    Winds: East 5-10 mph
    We’ll wrap up the last week of August with abundant cloud cover and cooler highs in the upper 70s. Even though temperatures will be lower, it will still be very humid. Isolated showers are possible, but the bulk of the day will be dry.

    SATURDAY:
    Partly Sunny
    Chance PM Rain, Storms
    Highs: 85-90
    Winds: South 5-10 mph
    The start of the holiday weekend will be very humid with afternoon highs nearing 90 degrees. Plan for feel-like temperatures to be well into the 90s during the afternoon. Showers and storms will develop during the afternoon, so have a backup indoor plan for your barbecues and pool outings.

    SUNDAY:
    Partly Sunny
    Stray Showers
    Highs: 83-88
    Winds: West 5-10 mph
    Plan for another summery day with highs in the mid 80s and continued high humidity. Rain chances are trending lower for your Sunday plans, but there’s still a slight chance for a passing shower or storm.

    Current Conditions

    Outages

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  • How Debby could be a ‘drought buster’ for the DC region – WTOP News

    How Debby could be a ‘drought buster’ for the DC region – WTOP News

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    Tropical depression Debby has the potential to be a “drought buster” for the D.C. region, but that will depend on the intensity, duration and location of the rainfall expected.

    Listen live to WTOP for traffic and weather updates on the 8s.

    Tropical Depression Debby has the potential to be a “drought buster” for the D.C. region, but that will depend on the intensity, duration and location of the rainfall expected.

    That’s according to Michael Nardolilli, executive director of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.

    Nardolilli told WTOP the region’s been stressed this summer: “Before this recent rain, 57% of the Potomac Basin was experiencing extreme drought conditions, while 19% were experiencing severe drought conditions.”

    Ahead of Friday, recent rains had put a slight dent in drought conditions. The ICPRB started conducting daily drought monitoring “when the flow of the Potomac River at Point of Rocks dropped below 2,000 cubic feet per second.”

    Nardolilli said that in the past two days, the ICPRB was pleased to see “that number now is 5,000 cubic feet per second and it is expected to rise,” so the ICPRB has suspended daily drought monitoring.

    On July 29, the Drought Coordination Committee at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments declared a drought watch, urging the nearly 6 million residents in the metropolitan Washington region to voluntarily conserve water.

    “That was a real big step for the Council of Governments because that was the first drought watch that they’ve issued since 2010,” Nardolilli said.

    Lisa Ragain, principal water resources planner with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, said while Tropical Depression Debby might help alleviate drought conditions when it comes to the region’s water supply, don’t expect an immediate lifting of the drought watch from MWCOG.

    That’s because seeing a “recharging” of the region’s groundwater supply — when rainwater seeps into the aquifer — won’t happen overnight, she said. In communities such as Loudon and Fauquier counties, they rely more on groundwater and that groundwater recharge takes a while, according to Ragain.

    Ragain said once Debby rolls out of the area, MWCOG’s committee on drought coordination will regroup and look at conditions.

    The drought watch recommendations, which urge regular conservation of water, are something she’s lived with since she was a child. She grew up on the West Coast and said, “I have all my drought habits … turning off your water when you brush your teeth, don’t let the water run when you wash your dishes, shorter showers, that whole thing.”

    Nardolilli added that even if Debby proves to be a drought buster as far as the water supply is concerned, farmers could still be struggling with the effects of the drought.

    “The severity of the rain, getting it all at once is not what you want,” he said. “You want a slow, steady rain over a long period of time for it to seep into the soil.”

    In situations where there are intense storms, after drought conditions, “The fact that it runs off doesn’t help the farmers at all,” said Nardolilli.

    He said historically, some of the worst droughts in the Potomac River Basin occurred in 1930 and again in 1966.

    In the 1966 drought, Nardolilli said it was “broken” after severe rain storms rolled into the region in September of that year.

    While that was good in terms of the water supply, Nardolilli said there was also large scale runoff: “There were cars floating down Four Mile Run in Arlington, for example.”

    So, he said of much-needed rain, “You get it all at once, and it really doesn’t help if it all runs off without seeping into the ground.”

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  • Thousands without power as storms sparked thunderstorm warnings, watches across DC area – WTOP News

    Thousands without power as storms sparked thunderstorm warnings, watches across DC area – WTOP News

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    The D.C. region dealt with a round of powerful showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening after dealing with the heat.

    Listen live to WTOP for traffic and weather updates on the 8s.

    The D.C. region dealt with a round of powerful showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening after dealing with the heat.

    A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued through 9 p.m. and a Flood Watch was issued through 10 p.m. but were canceled by the National Weather Service just before 8 p.m.

    A destructive Severe Thunderstorm Warning was initially issued for Loudon County until 5:45 p.m. NWS reported that the severe and destructive thunderstorm blew through portions of Loudoun County with winds nearing 80 mph and some radar-indicated hail.

    One of those storms was expected to bring up to 80 mph wind gusts to portions of the region, hail and more to the area.

    A warning was also issued for sea farers along the Tidal Potomac through 7 p.m. as troubling wind gusts enter the region.

    The storms caused trees to fall Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties in Virginia.

    Officials across the DC-Baltimore area have cancelled several evening events due to the presence of severe weather.

    In the District, officials overseeing the Mubadala Citi DC Open said the semifinals have been suspended following heavy rainfall and wind gusts upwards of 60 mph.

    Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and the city’s Arts Council also said this weekend’s “Artscape 40” festivities, which usually happen despite dreary weather, have been cancelled through Saturday night.

    “Artscape is a rain or shine event, but this evening’s weather calls for dangerous conditions, and we must prioritize safety above all else,” the office said. “The safety and well-being of our attendees, staff, volunteers, vendors, and the City’s support teams are of paramount.”

    Thousands without power

    Thousands across the region were waiting for power to come back on. Most of those people are in Northern Virginia.

    Dominion Energy told WTOP that as of 7 p.m. it had nearly 4,000 homes and businesses without power in Loudoun County and another 4,500 homes and businesses in Fairfax County. NOVEC saw similar numbers, reporting over 3,000 outages for its customers.

    Dominion also said 5,000 customers were in the dark in Fauquier County.

    Hot end to workweek

    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.

    Schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, canceled all outdoor activities on fields and courts through 8 p.m. Friday due to the heat. The parks and recreation department in Prince George’s County, Maryland, also canceled the majority of its outdoor programs.

    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.

    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.

    Current weather

    Forecast:

    Mark Peña, 7News First Alert Meteorologist

    THIS EVENING: STORM ALERT
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 9 P.M.
    Flood Watch Until 10 P.M.
    Partly cloudy, scattered strong storms
    Temperatures: 75-85
    Winds: South 5-10 mph
    Scattered showers and storms, some of which could be severe with the potential for damaging winds up to 70 mph and heavy rain.

    TONIGHT: STORM ALERT
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 9 P.M.
    Flood Watch Until 10 P.M.
    Mostly cloudy, storms ending
    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.

    MONDAY:
    Sunny and hot
    Highs: 91-96
    Heat Index: 96-101
    Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
    Mostly sunny, hot and humid. Heat index values will be around 100 degrees.

    TUESDAY:
    Partly cloudy, scattered storms
    Highs: 90-95
    Heat Index: 95-100
    Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
    Partly cloudy with a chance for afternoon showers and storms. Otherwise hot and humid with heat index values around 100 degrees.

    WEDNESDAY:
    Partly cloudy, scattered storms
    Highs: 81-86
    Winds: East 5-10 mph
    Influence from a weakening tropical system may bring more widespread chances at showers and storms. Will be monitoring the tropics closely in the days to come.

    NEXT WEEK:
    A drop in the humidity is expected Monday behind a weak boundary. Temperatures remain hot in the 90s beginning Monday. Chances for rain return for the second half of next week, and extra moisture from a tropical system may continue rain chances into next weekend with below-average temperatures.

    WTOP’s Tadiwos Abedje, Kyle Cooper, Ivy Lyons, Matt Small and Christopher Thomas contributed to this report.

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    Christopher Thomas

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  • Stay indoors: Another blazing, humid day with excessive heat warning in DC region – WTOP News

    Stay indoors: Another blazing, humid day with excessive heat warning in DC region – WTOP News

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    It’ll be another extremely humid day in the D.C. region Friday as feels-like temperatures reach the triple digits. Here’s what you need to know.

    Listen live to WTOP for traffic and weather updates on the 8s.

    You may want to consider staying indoors because it’ll be another stifling day in the D.C. region Friday as feels-like temperatures reach the triple digits. Here’s what you need to know.

    Just like Thursday, there will be a heat advisory in effect from noon until 8 p.m. across the entire listening area as temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s with a heat index between 100 and 108 degrees.

    Some parts of the D.C. area will have even more dramatic temperature hikes at the same time under an 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.

    Later in the afternoon and evening, there could be some scattered thunderstorms, according to 7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.

    “That could lead to some pop-up thunderstorms that could pack a punch. We’re under a level one risk out of five,” van de Graaff said. “We’re talking damaging winds, some heavy downpours, and the potential for some frequent lightning.”

    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. Van de Graaff says the weekend forecast includes scattered storms for your Saturday afternoon as well. Sunday will have highs around 90 degrees.

    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 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans.

    The D.C. area has already seen 36 days at or above 90 degrees, almost reaching the annual average of 40.

    As a result of the heat, schools in Fairfax County are canceling all outdoor activities on fields and courts from noon to 8 p.m. Check your local school district and county government for guidance on outdoor activities.

    Heat wave leads to hospitalizations

    WTOP’s Kyle Cooper reports that in the WTOP listening area, the heat wave is leading 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.

    Current weather

    Forecast:

    FRIDAY: HEAT ADVISORY NOON-8 P.M.
    Partly cloudy, showers, thunderstorms
    Highs: 93-98
    Feels Like: 100-108
    Winds: Southwest 5-15 mph
    Most of the DMV is under a heat advisory, as air temperatures reach the middle to upper 90s, and feels like readings ranging between 100 and 108. Shower and thunderstorms chances are more widespread, with some becoming strong to severe. The greatest risk will be gusty winds, hail and pockets of moderate to very heavy rain.

    FRIDAY NIGHT:
    Mostly Cloudy, scattered showers, storms end
    Lows: 75-80
    Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
    Warm and humid conditions are expected overnight with lingering showers and storms.

    SATURDAY:
    Partly sunny, scattered showers, storms
    Highs: 90-95
    Feels Like: 100-105
    Winds: South 5-10 mph
    Saturday will be the hotter weekend day with highs in the low to mid 90s. Feels-like temperatures will be over 100 degrees. Rain and storm chances are on the rise during the afternoon and evening and may impact outdoor events. Any storms that develop will have the potential to become severe.

    SUNDAY:
    Partly sunny, storm chances
    Highs: near 90
    Winds: West 5-10 mph
    An approaching cold front will trigger additional chances for showers and storms during the afternoon and evening hours. Plan for high temperatures will be around 90 degrees with heat index values around 95 degrees. A drop in humidity is expected early next week.

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    Tadiwos Abedje

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  • DC region under heat advisory, as feels-like temps soar past 100 – WTOP News

    DC region under heat advisory, as feels-like temps soar past 100 – WTOP News

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    Thursday’s highs will be in the upper 90s, with uncomfortable heat index values from 97-107 degrees and some isolated storms. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the entire area from noon to 8 p.m.

    Listen live to WTOP for traffic and weather updates on the 8s.

    The D.C. area is in the grip of yet another oppressive heat wave, with soaring temperatures nearing the century mark — and feels-like temperatures even higher.

    A heat advisory from the National Weather Service lasts until 8 p.m. Thursday night.

    Thursday’s highs will sit in the upper 90s, with uncomfortable heat index values potentially going up to 108, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin. There is also the risk of isolated thunderstorms in the evening that could become strong to severe with gusty winds and moderate to heavy rain.

    “It’s going to be slow for those temperatures to drop (in the evening),” said 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson.

    The weather service warns in its forecast to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

    There is also a Code Orange air quality alert forecast for the afternoon by Maryland’s Department of the Environment. The department says the “very warm temperatures and a degrading air mass will allow ozone levels to rise” into moderate levels across the state.

    The weather will make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially along and just east of the Interstate 95 corridor and east of Baltimore on the Chesapeake Bay coastline.

    A Code Orange air quality alert is also in effect for suburban D.C., while Northern Virginia is under a moderate air quality alert for particle pollution, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

    Thunderstorms later in the day could clear out that higher level of ozone; otherwise, the air quality alert could continue into tomorrow.

    Looking ahead

    Friday will be even hotter, with temperatures reaching 98 and feels-like temperatures between 102 and 108 degrees. 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans says the heat alert could stay in place over the weekend as well.

    “Tracking a very hot forecast,” Evans said. “That may continue into Friday, as temperatures also look to be in the upper 90s. Both days will feature shower and thunderstorm chances, some severe weather is possible after we had some gusty winds last night.”

    The NWS has also put a heat advisory into effect for Friday from noon to 8 p.m.

    “Like all other days, (these storms) could pack a punch with some downpours, isolated flooding, as well as some damaging winds that could lead to a few downed trees and power outages. So make sure those devices are ready to go by the mid part of the day tomorrow,” added Johnson.

    The weekend, while more tolerable, will still be uncomfortable, with temperatures staying in the 90s and a heat index value over 100 degrees Saturday.

    The latest heat wave comes after the D.C. region experienced its fourth hottest July on record and the third hottest since 2011, Evans said.

    The D.C. area has already seen 35 days at or above 90 degrees, almost reaching the annual average, which is 40. Last year through July 31, there were 19 days at or over 90 degrees, and for the whole year there were 32.

    Current weather

    Forecast:

    THURSDAY: HEAT ALERT
    Passing clouds, PM storms
    Highs: 95-98
    Heat Index: 100-107
    Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
    A very hot day in store with high temperatures almost ten degrees above normal. The high humidity will put the heat index above 100 degrees during the afternoon. Afternoon thunderstorms are likely, which may provide some heat relief late in the day. The risk for severe weather is low.

    THURSDAY NIGHT:
    Leftover showers, mostly cloudy
    Lows: 70-80
    Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
    Any leftover rain should end by midnight. Temperatures remain mild in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees.

    FRIDAY: HEAT ALERT
    Passing clouds, PM storms
    Highs: 95-99
    Heat Index: 102-108
    Winds: South 5-10 mph
    Temperatures are expected to climb a little more, approaching 100 degrees in some areas. Expect the heat index to be around 105 degrees during the afternoon hours. Once again, possible showers and storms may bring some gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain. The risk for severe weather is low.

    THIS WEEKEND:
    More storm chances during the day and temperatures will begin to come down across the area. Chances for rain Saturday and Sunday remain at 50% during the afternoon. The risk for severe weather is low, but strong storms are likely with the heat and humidity. High temperatures should stay closer to average, near 90 degrees.

    Outages:

    WTOP’s Ana Golden and Emily Venezky contributed to this report.

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Ciara Wells

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  • Did the recent heat wave take a toll on your AC? Here’s what technicians are dealing with – WTOP News

    Did the recent heat wave take a toll on your AC? Here’s what technicians are dealing with – WTOP News

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    D.C.’s blistering heat wave has taken a high toll on home air conditioning systems. Service technicians worked through the weekend and are putting in extra hours this week.

    D.C.’s blistering heat wave last week took a high toll on home air conditioning systems. Service technicians worked through the weekend and are putting in extra hours this week to restore service to homes that have lost cooling.

    “We’re not as large as some of the other companies in the area. But for a medium-sized, family-owned company, we’ve gotten hundreds of calls, so I can imagine the bigger guys that are in multiple states are getting thousands,” said Stephen Nugent, operations manager of John Nugent & Sons, a Sterling, Virginia-based company providing air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical services.

    Technicians said the extended days of severe heat forced units to run constantly and that can spell trouble for older equipment and units that have not been properly maintained or are low on refrigerant.

    “The longer the machine runs, the higher the potential for failure. Also, if it’s not clean — the condensing coil outside particularly — if it hasn’t been maintained or cleaned for the season, then the machine is going to run probably between 15 and 30% hotter than it typically does,” said Ron Tolbert, president of Cool Breeze Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, serving the Gaithersburg, Maryland, area.

    Tolbert’s firm has also been flooded with calls for AC repairs.

    “We took, over the weekend, 300 calls. They’re coming in 24 hours, around the clock,” said Tolbert, speaking from the road, after temporarily vacating his desk job. He added that for the first time in eight years, he had to join his crews and go out to help with repairs.

    When AC units failed and customers were left in homes with temperatures rising, they may have found it difficult to easily reach AC repair services this past weekend, and some showed gratitude when workers arrived.

    “Customers are offering us cold drinks or offering us to sit down and have lunch. They’re just very grateful to have someone come,” Nugent said.

    Before technicians respond to AC units knocked out of commission by the extreme heat, experts said there are some things you can do yourself.

    “You want to check your breaker to make sure that the machine has power outside. You want to make sure that the outside unit is running and that warm air is coming out of the top of it. You want to make sure that your inside filter is clean. Those are the primary things you do before you even call a company,” Tolbert said.

    The companies said they hope to be caught up with the extra repair work this week.

    “I know everyone’s scrambling because, at the end of the day, everyone is just trying to get these customers cooling because you never know who it is. (It could be) a new parent with a young baby, it’s an elderly person who may have some health issues, whatever it is … every customer is important and we want to make sure they’re comfortable in their own home,” Nugent said.

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    Dick Uliano

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

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

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

    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.

    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.

    Current weather

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    Thomas Robertson

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  • What’s in store for spring weather in the DC area? – WTOP News

    What’s in store for spring weather in the DC area? – WTOP News

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    March 19 was technically the first day of spring, but it didn’t bring the nicest weather here in the D.C. area. In fact, officials are warning people to get ready for more severe storms.

    The first day of spring was technically earlier this week on March 19, but it didn’t bring the nicest weather here in the D.C. area.

    In fact, officials are warning people to get ready for more severe storms.

    Spring may brings flowers and sunshine, but it also bring “damaging wind gusts, hail, lightning, even tornadoes at times,” according to Chris Strong, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service for Baltimore/Washington.

    “Certainly, as the atmosphere warms up, becomes hotter, becomes more humid, there’s more fuel for those storms,” Strong told WTOP.

    Most of us prepare for severe weather during hurricane season in the later half of the year.

    However, MaryAnn Tierney with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it is also important to prepare for the spring by “assembling a supplies kit, making sure that you have the right items on hand,” like a flashlight, extra batteries, water, and important documents.”

    Tierney said there are a lot of different ways weather can pose a hazard during the spring. Springtime’s warmer temperatures can mean the potential for tornadoes and flooding.

    “Make sure that you have items in your kits for your pets and for your children as well,” she added.

    Tierney said you can protect your home by cleaning out debris from gutters and drains and “to check their insurance policies. Most policies do not include flood insurance. So you should be reviewing your homeowners insurance policy.”

    Additionally, store documents like an insurance policy, medical records or passports in a flood-safe place.

    Outside the home, protect your car by avoiding areas that have flooded, and turn around instead.

    “If you encounter a flooded roadway, you should not drive through it. That is especially unsafe,” she said.

    More info is available online. You can get more tips by downloading the FEMA app.

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Will Vitka

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  • Saturday washout: Heavy rain this weekend brings flood risk – WTOP News

    Saturday washout: Heavy rain this weekend brings flood risk – WTOP News

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    A flood watch for most of the broader D.C. region goes into effect at 2 a.m. Saturday and lasts until 2 p.m., the National Weather Service said.

    Drenching downpours late Friday night into Saturday afternoon will bring flood risks this weekend.

    A flood watch for most of the broader D.C. region goes into effect at 2 a.m. Saturday and lasts until 2 p.m., the National Weather Service said.

    The rain is expected to spread over most of the D.C. area by about 10 p.m., according to 7News First Alert meteorologist Eileen Whelan.

    Rain is expected to intensify in the overnight hours, bringing the threat of localized flooding.

    The weather service said rainfall of between 1.5 to 2.5 inches is expected from late Friday night to Saturday afternoon.

    “The bulk of the rain is expected to fall overnight Friday into early Saturday morning within roughly a six hour window,” the weather service said. “This may result in flooding of urban and poor drainage areas, as well as on smaller streams.”

    After the rain ends, expect some gusty winds to stick around, according to the 7News forecast.

    Full 7News First Alert weekend forecast

    FRIDAY:
    Partly cloudy, breezy
    Highs: 52-58 degrees
    Winds: Southeast 5-15 mph, gusts to 20 mph
    Freezing temperatures are expected to start the day with wake-up temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s. It will be seasonable by the afternoon with highs in the 50s. Clouds will increase late in the day ahead of our next weather maker. Wet weather will overspread the DMV tonight (after 9 p.m. for most).

    FRIDAY NIGHT:
    Showers, areas of rain
    Lows: 40s
    Winds: Southeast 10-20 mph
    A flood watch will begins at 2 a.m. Rain intensity will increase overnight with the potential for localized flooding.

    SATURDAY:
    FLOOD WATCH 2AM-2PM
    Moderate to heavy rain
    Highs: 50s
    Winds: Northeast 10-20 mph, gusts to 30 mph
    Areas of moderate to heavy rain during the morning will taper to showers during the afternoon. Rainfall totals are trending between 1 to 3 inches, with the heaviest rain falling east and along the I-95 corridor. A flood watch has been posted for all areas inside the beltway and surrounding counties. Localized flooding is possible. Northwesterly will increase during the afternoon with windy conditions expected at night. Wind gusts over 30 mph are likely after 7 p.m.

    SUNDAY:
    Mostly sunny, blustery
    Highs: Around 55 degrees
    Winds: North 10-20 mph, gusts to 35 mph
    You’ll wake up to wind chills in the 20s Sunday morning. Sunday will be blustery and brighter with sunshine and highs in the mid 50s. Northwesterly winds will gust over 30 mph during the first half of the day. The wind will decrease during the afternoon

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    Jack Moore

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  • Presidents Day weekend brings another chance for snow in DC region – WTOP News

    Presidents Day weekend brings another chance for snow in DC region – WTOP News

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    More snow could be in store this weekend, after residents in parts of the D.C. region saw a dusting earlier this week. Here’s what you need to know.

    Stay up to date with our local weather trends with WTOP.

    Rain is in the forecast for Thursday evening and more snow could be in store this weekend, after residents in parts of the D.C. region saw a dusting earlier this week.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    Expect colder temperatures in the 20s and clear skies Thursday morning into the afternoon. Things will start to get wet later in the day as fast-moving weather comes into the D.C.-area by the evening.

    There’s a chance of widespread sprinkles Thursday night into Friday morning.

    Clouds will pick up throughout the day Friday ahead of the snow system, which could arrive late Friday, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña.

    “This brings with it the chance for some widespread, light snow across the area. You could wake up to about an inch or 2 by Saturday morning,” Peña said.

    However, Peña doesn’t expect the snow to last long as temperatures will warm back to the 40s by Saturday afternoon.

    Veronica Johnson, 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist, said to expect flakes to start falling by around 11 p.m. Friday.

    “[There’s] a chance for some accumulating snowfall, between 1 and 3 inches, melting at the onset, but between 2 and 7 a.m. we could see that snow stick a little bit to some area roads, bridges, overpasses, if the rate is high enough — certainly on grassy areas,” Johnson said.

    The snow chance comes after a brief burst of wintry weather hit areas north and west of D.C. on Tuesday morning.

    Full forecast

    THURSDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy, stray light afternoon showers
    Highs: 48-53
    Winds: Southwest 5-15, gusts to 25 mph
    Clouds will increase tomorrow ahead of our next weather maker. A fast moving clipper diving out of the Great Lakes will track north of us bringing a slight chance of passing showers later in the day and evening. This chance is higher in our western areas.

    FRIDAY: Increasing clouds
    Highs: 48-52
    Winds: Northwest 5-15, gusts 25 mph

    PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND: 
    An area of low pressure coming out of the southern Plains will track toward us late Friday. The storm system will pass to our south bringing a chance for snow and a wintry mix late Friday night into early Saturday morning. Local guidance is currently suggesting an inch of snow possible. This will change as new data becomes available, so stay with our team for updates. It will be blustery Saturday with wind gusts over 30 mph. High temperatures Saturday will be below average with highs in the low 40s. With the wind, wind chills will be in the 20s and 30s. Sunday and Presidents Day Monday are trending dry with highs warming into the low to mid 50s by Monday. 

    Current conditions

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    Thomas Robertson

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  • Bundle up! Rain to start, with nearly 4 inches of snow expected for DC area Tuesday – WTOP News

    Bundle up! Rain to start, with nearly 4 inches of snow expected for DC area Tuesday – WTOP News

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    Commuters should be careful going to work Tuesday because heavy rain and snow is pouring across the D.C. area as it’s expected to last throughout the morning.

    Stay up to date with our local weather trends with WTOP.

    Commuters should be careful going to work Tuesday because heavy rain and snow is pouring across the D.C. area as it’s expected to last throughout the morning.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory, which will be in effect until 1 p.m. in Carroll, Frederick, Howard, and northwest Montgomery counties in Maryland and northern Fauquier and Loudoun counties in Virginia.

    Additionally, western Maryland is under a winter storm warning until 10 a.m. as there is a possibility for 4 to 8 inches of snow.

    Rain will be mixing and changing into snow during the morning hours. The areas under a winter weather advisory could see 1 to 3 inches of snowfall, but heavy snows bands could make roads, bridges and overpasses slippery, according to WTOP meteorologist Mike Stinneford.

    Stinneford added that there’s snow already in Front Royal, Winchester and Hagerstown.

    The snow will ending by 11 a.m. as temperatures will be in the 40s with wind chills in the 30s.

    Preparing for winter weather during commute

    The early morning rain and snow has already made its impact in the region.

    There is considerable amount of ponds in curb lanes on the major and smaller roads in Loudoun County, Virginia, according to WTOP’s Neal Augenstein, adding the fact that driving in the dark skies during winter weather is challenging.

    “If you’re able to delay your drive until after sunrise, that’ll make things easier,” Augenstein said.

    In Montgomery County, Maryland, there are snowplows that are ready to clear up any slushy snow, even though there isn’t any yet. WTOP’s Luke Lukert reporte that there is plenty of standing water.

    “If we do get accumulation fast, it may make the commutes even worse,” Lukert said.

    He also reported that there’s heavy snow in Frederick County, adding that it made him “feel like the Star Wars jump to hyperspace with the big white flakes shooting toward my windshield.”

    School closings and delays

    As a result of the heavy rain and possible snow, school systems announced closings and delay

    In Maryland, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery counties will have a two-hour delay.

    In Virginia, public schools in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier and Frederick counties will have a two-hour delay, while Loudoun County Public Schools will be closed.

    FORECAST

    TUESDAY MORNING: Rain mixing with and changing to snow. Snow may be moderate to heavy at times before ending by 11 a.m. Some accumulation of wet snow, mainly on the grass, but roads could become slippery under heavy snow bands, mainly over the northern and western suburbs.

    TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Partial clearing and windy. Highs in the 40s.

    TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear and colder. Lows in the low to mid 30s.

    WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy and breezy. Highs low to mid 40s.

    THURSDAY AND FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 50s.

    CURRENT CONDITIONS

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    Ciara Wells

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