The Convective Outlook for Thursday showing a “Slight Risk” for the DC Metro area and “Enhanced Risk” for areas south of D.C. (Source: Storm Prediction Center)
What a beautiful spring day for early April! With today’s abundant sunshine accompanied by a light southwesterly breeze, high temperatures peaked to the low 70’s across College Park. However, these comfortable conditions are expected to change for Thursday. A storm system is marching towards our region and you will need your umbrellas.
Through Tonight: Ahead of the approaching storm system, winds will shift from a southwesterly to a southeasterly breeze. This will help to usher in a few overnight clouds and rain showers. Showers are possible after 11 p.m and will pick up in intensity by early Thursday morning. Rain amounts may add up to a quarter of an inch. Temperatures will drop into the low 50’s.
Tomorrow (Thursday): The Storm Prediction Center has College Park and surrounding areas under a “Slight risk” for severe weather for Thursday (see yellow shading in image above). Parts of Virginia and Southern Maryland are under an “Enhanced Risk” (see orange shading in image above). Thursday will start off with mostly cloudy skies and some heavy showers. Some locations may see some morning fog. High temperatures will rise into the mid-60’s before the storms move through. Any peaks of sunshine will increase the possibility for severe storms later in the day. The main storm threats: heavy rain, damaging winds, large hail, and a chance of isolated tornadoes (especially within the “Enhanced Risk” area). As for the timing, these storms should be moving through the area around midday from 10 am to 4 pm. Total rain amounts could add up to one inch.
Simulated Radar Reflectivity model showing a line of storms pushing through around 11 AM Thursday (Source: UMD Trowal)
Beyond the DMV:
The storm system that will affect our area on Thursday has a history of causing damage across the Southern U.S. On Wednesday, the Storm Prediction center issued a “High Risk” for severe weather from Alabama to South Carolina. Many school systems across that region closed for the day in preparation for the event.
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