NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Northern Virginia could see strong to severe thunderstorms Thursday, with damaging winds, heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes possible, according to forecasts.
The National Weather Service said the severe weather threat has increased from earlier forecasts, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected between about 1 and 7 p.m., particularly east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
Some storms could produce damaging wind gusts, while an isolated tornado is also possible, forecasters said.
According to the latest Capital Weather forecast, scattered showers and thunderstorms will become more likely after about 2 p.m. in the D.C. region, with storms potentially continuing through 7 or 8 p.m.
Heavy downpours and lightning could also accompany the storms. The NWS said the atmosphere will contain enough moisture to support particularly heavy rainfall in stronger storms, with the potential for multiple rounds in some locations.
The weather should quiet down overnight before a relative break Friday. Capital Weather forecasts a mostly to partly sunny and largely dry day, although an isolated afternoon shower is possible, particularly south of D.C. Highs should reach the low to mid-80s.
Rain chances increase again heading into the weekend. Forecasters said Saturday could bring more widespread and persistent rain, including heavier downpours, while the NWS expects chances of showers and thunderstorms to linger into Sunday.
Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 86. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9pm. Patchy fog between 10pm and 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday: A chance of showers, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Light southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Old Town Alexandria Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.