Virginia will bake through another hot and humid day on Tuesday, but most of the D.C. region should avoid thunderstorms before the threat of severe weather increases later this week.
Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, according to the National Weather Service. Highs around Northern Virginia will climb well into the 90s, although temperatures are not expected to reach record levels. As of Tuesday afternoon, no heat advisories were in effect.
According to the latest forecasts from Capital Weather, highs in the mid- to upper 90s are expected across the D.C. region on Tuesday, with humidity making it feel closer to 100 to 105 degrees during the afternoon.
Unlike areas farther north and east, Northern Virginia should remain largely dry Tuesday.
The National Weather Servie said thunderstorm chances during the afternoon are minimal, with a cluster of storms expected to move from southeastern Pennsylvania into northeastern Maryland during the evening.
Capital Weather forecasters said an isolated afternoon or early evening storm can't be ruled out, particularly across the northern half of the D.C. region. Any storm that develops could bring gusty winds and heavy downpours.
The forecast becomes more unsettled Wednesday as a front moves into the region.
According to Capital Weather, potential strong to severe thunderstorms could develop during Wednesday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds and heavy rain among the primary threats.
Northern Virginia could remain especially hot, with areas around D.C. and to the south reaching the mid-90s and heat index values topping 100 degrees.
The severe weather threat continues Thursday as another round of thunderstorms is expected to develop over Pennsylvania and move south into the region. Forecasters said strengthening winds higher in the atmosphere could allow some storms to become severe.
Additional thunderstorms are possible Friday, particularly during the afternoon and evening, before the threat of severe weather diminishes.
The heat should ease heading into the weekend. Highs are expected to fall into the 80s on Saturday before cooler and less humid weather arrives Sunday, when temperatures could struggle to get much above 80 degrees.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers between 8am and 2pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
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