Record Warmth, Then Strong Storms In VA/DC Weekend Forecast

VIRGINIA/DC — A storm front is forecast to move through the Northern Virginia and D.C. area this weekend, bringing with it powerful winds, rain and the potential for more severe weather with thunderstorms.

A fast-moving storm front could deliver some showers late Friday night into early Saturday morning, but the greater likelihood of severe weather is on Saturday. While rain could hit early, showers are likely after 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, and a thunderstorm is possible into the evening.

Ahead of a cold front, temperatures could surge into the 70- to 75-degree range. The record temperature for Dec. 11 is 68 degrees at Reagan National Airport and 71 degrees at Dulles International Airport, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

On Saturday night, strong storms and showers are possible as the cold front makes its final push through the region. Residents should stay "weather-aware" until it passes, the Capital Weather Gang said.

The NWS issued a wind advisory for the D.C. area from 4 p.m. on Saturday to 1 a.m. on Sunday. "West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected," the NWS said.

"Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result," the weather service added. "The highest gusts are most likely between 6 p.m. and midnight."

On Sunday, the day should be mostly sunny, with high temperatures expected to reach only 49 degrees and wind gusts as high as 28 mph, according to the NWS.

The weekend forecast is included below:

Friday night: A chance of showers, mainly before 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 46.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Winds 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then showers likely between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Southwest wind 13 to 18 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest winds 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Sunday night: Clear, with a low around 32.