Thunderstorms Possible For VA Before Cold Returns: Latest Forecast

After several days of near-record warmth, an incoming cold front will approach Virginia on Wednesday, bringing the chance for severe weather and a brief but significant drop in temperature to the D.C. region, according to the latest forecasts.

Ahead of any potential severe weather, the D.C. region will once again see temperatures in the low to mid-80s on Wednesday. Some humidity is possible, forecasters said.

Meanwhile, rain and thunderstorms are predicted to move into the region later Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS Storm Prediction Center on Wednesday upgraded Northern Virginia to a "slight risk" of severe thunderstorms starting Wednesday afternoon into the early evening hours. The greatest risk of severe weather will be between 5 and 8 p.m., forecasters said.

According to a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service, the system could spawn some thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and hail.

Any threat of severe weather should diminish by late Wednesday night, though some showers may continue into the night, forecasters said.

On Friday, Northern Virginia residents should expect significantly cooler temperatures, though the exact forecast remains uncertain due to an incoming warm front, The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang wrote in its latest forecast.

"The uncertain position of a warm front continues to make Thursday a tricky temperature forecast," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "Highs could be anywhere from the upper 50s to upper 70s (coolest northeast, warmest southwest) under partly to mostly cloudy skies."

An isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible Thursday afternoon into the evening, forecasters said.

Warm air will surge back into the region on Friday, pushing highs to the upper 70s to mid-80s before another cold front approaches on Sunday.

"Highs should manage the 70s with showers and thunderstorms possible during the afternoon into the evening," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "Behind the front, Sunday night lows cool off into the 40s."

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for the D.C. region:

Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2am and 3am. Low around 62. West wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: A chance of showers between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. East wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Showers, mainly after 8am. High near 72. Chance of precipitation is 80%.