Northern Virginia Weather: Big Changes Coming

STERLING, VA — Big changes are on the way regarding sunshine and what was a nice stretch of mostly rain-free conditions, according to the National Weather Service's Northern Virginia branch in Sterling. Namely, rain could arrive Tuesday night and almost certainly will be around for Wednesday, with thunderstorms, no less.

The chance of rain for Wednesday is 70 percent. Thunderstorms and showers are expected throughout the day and into the night. It's looking like Sunday will be the soonest the sun makes a reappearance. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. Also, like us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Here's the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely between 8am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. North wind around 8 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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