Today’s high temperature was 77 degrees in Washington D.C., continuing the trend of abnormally warm weather over these past few days. The high was one degree short of the 78-degree record set in 1985 and was well above the average high of 49 degrees. A considerate amount of warm sunshine and cumulus clouds filled the skies. With mild to moderate winds breezing throughout the day, it seemed like an ideal spring-like day. However, this is February 24th. We’re still almost a month away from the official start of spring. The cold will partially return in the next few days, but for now, let’s enjoy the warmth while it’s here.
Through Tonight: As temperatures drop to the low-50s and mid to upper 50s in DC, conditions will be mild and pleasant tonight. The winds from the west will weaken overnight, dropping from around 10 mph to 5 mph. There’s a chance for low-level clouds to form overnight, which will impact the chances for tomorrow’s storms.
A marginal risk for severe weather tomorrow afternoon. Via SPC
Tomorrow (Saturday): Temperatures will climb to 70 tomorrow ahead of an approaching cold front. If the low-level clouds don’t form Friday night, then the atmosphere could be more unstable. This instability would create favorable conditions for a few scattered mid-afternoon thunderstorms between 2-6pm. Currently, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a marginal chance for thunderstorms in the DC, Maryland and Virginia region. Any threat of thunderstorms could raise the potential for moderate rain showers (potentially as much as half an inch over the duration of the storm). Sustained southwesterly wind speeds (10-15 mph) will shift to the northwest around 20 mph. Occasional winds gusts could burst up to 35 mph and higher as the line of thunderstorms crosses the region. Please keep in mind that wind activity could pose threats for boaters. After the front passes through, temperatures will drop to the upper 40’s by nightfall.
A narrow line of thunderstorms with gusty winds moves through the DMV tomorrow afternoon.
Sunday: Sunday will be significantly cooler than the temperatures from our unseasonable warm spell. A high-pressure system will move in and push any leftover storms offshore. Generally, expect clear skies with afternoon temperatures in the low 50s and cool westerly winds ranging from 10-15 mph. Winds could gusts up to 25 mph throughout the day.