Tuesday, December 17, 2024

DC-area forecast: Scorching heat today and tomorrow, with triple-digit highs

* Overheat warning 11 AM to 8 PM*

Today’s Daily Digit

A somewhat subjective rating of the day’s weather, on a scale of 0 to 10.

1/10: Heat like fire. Thought about going to 0, but I’m in a generous mood.

Express forecast

  • Today: Brutal heat. Afternoon storms possible. Max: 97 to 103.
  • Tonight: Partly cloudy, hazy. Low: 74 to 81.
  • Tomorrow: The punishing heat continues. Max: 97 to 103.

Detailed forecast

After hitting 101 on Sunday, we’re staring at what could be our hottest four-day stretch since at least 2016 and possibly 2012. There is a chance of reaching a maximum of three digits in each of the next three days. Factoring in humidity, it will feel 5 to 10 degrees warmer.

This is extreme and dangerous heat, especially for vulnerable groups such as the homeless, the elderly and those who work outdoors. Find ways to stay cool, hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Mercifully, the heat wave will end on Thursday.

Today (Monday): If you’re out for more than a few minutes on your walk to work, you may need to shower by the time you arrive. Heat is evident during the day and worsens until peaking in the mid-afternoon. Highs will be in the 90s and low 100s, challenging records of 100 at Reagan National, 98 at Dallas and 102 at BWI Marshall. Factor in the humidity (dew points near 70), it will feel like 105 to 110. Like Sunday, there could be a few heavy showers, but most of us will stay dry. Light winds from the west and southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Confidence: Medium High

Tonight: Partly cloudy and a bit muggy. In areas near downtown, it will stay in the 90s into the evening, with lows only near 80. In our cooler regions, lows will be near 75. Confidence: Medium-High

Follow us Facebook, TwitterAnd Instagram For the latest weather updates. Read on for the forecast through the weekend…

Tomorrow (Tuesday): Like today but less chance of rain or storms. Highs will return to the 90s and lows in the 100s with highs of 105 to 110. The record high of 104 at three airports (set in 1988) is a bit of a stretch but not out of the question. Confidence: Medium High

Tomorrow night: It was another uncomfortably messy night with lows in the 80s downtown and 70s elsewhere. There is a small chance of showers or thunderstorms overnight as the front approaches. Confidence: Medium High

A look ahead

One more chance to score a century Wednesday, with heat indices of 105 or higher, but a cold front should sweep through. As the vapor collides with air, expect several showers and storms in the afternoon and evening, some of which will be severe. Showers and storms should taper off after sunset, dropping into the 70s overnight. Confidence: Medium High

On that day Thursday, the cold front slips south, but is close enough to keep rain and storm chances in the forecast, especially in the south and east of the county during the afternoon and evening hours. Not too hot in the mid to upper 80s. After evening storms, Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 70 to 75. Confidence: Medium

Friday Partly sunny, moderate humidity and highs in the mid to upper 80s make for a great day of the week. Partly cloudy overnight, with temperatures around 65 to 70 in cooler areas and 70 to 75 in cities. Confidence: Medium

On Thursdays and Fridays the stalled forwards in the south can try to lift to the north Saturday, clouds and a chance of showers and storms, especially south and east of Washington. As the front moves northward Sunday, Temperature and humidity will increase. Highs could be in the 80s on Saturday and 90 on Sunday. Lows should mostly be in the 70s. Confidence: Medium

Snow Probability Index

On a scale of 0-10, a daily estimate of the likelihood of at least 1 inch of snow over the next week.

Latest news
Related news