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Flash flood watch issued for most of DC region overnight

Late storms in the D.C. area brought heavy rain, winds and the risk for flooding. Here’s what you need to know.

The flash flood watch for most of northern Maryland has been extended to include the majority of the D.C. region until 4 a.m. A flash flood warning had been issued for Frederick County, Maryland, before it was cancelled.

StormTeam4 meteorologist Matt Ritter said the humidity Wednesday made for a “steamy” afternoon. A few isolated thunderstorms developed south and east of D.C., and a strong cold front brought the higher chance of thunderstorms for the rest of the listening area.

Throughout Wednesday night, the National Weather service issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for the D.C. area, with strong storms possible especially near Interstate 81.

Much of D.C. region will be under a Flash Flood Watch until 4 a.m. Thursday. (Courtesy National Weather Service)

“Some of the storms could have some downpours, some hail, and some gusty winds,” Ritter said. “If not for the front coming in during the late evening and nighttime hours after peak heating, the threat for severe weather would be even higher than it is.”

After midnight, the intensity of the storms starts to die down and break up into scattered showers. They’ll mostly end during the Thursday morning rush, and the area is expected to dry out by Thursday afternoon.

Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 70s for daytime highs on Thursday with lower humidity.

Friday through the weekend will bring plenty of sunshine and low humidity.


Forecast:

Wednesday night: Storms tapering to scattered showers overnight. Lows in the mid 60s to near 70 degrees.

Thursday: Cloudy in the morning with some leftover scattered showers. Becoming breezy with partial clearing through the afternoon. Very warm but becoming less humid during the day. Highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s.

Friday: Sunny and nice. Temperatures around 80.

Saturday: Sunny and comfortable. Lows in the 80s.


Current conditions:

WTOP’s Abigail Constantino contributed to this report. 

Hot, humid week ahead for DC area with severe storm risk

A dangerous heat wave will grip the D.C. area through Thursday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values between 100 and 105. Hot and humid conditions are expected through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, which said to expect daily thunderstorm chances and a risk of severe thunderstorms. 7News Meteorologist Eileen Whelan told WTOP that most of Tuesday will stay dry, but a few late-day thunderstorms are possible, especially north and east of D.C. as storms drift south from Pennsylvania. Any storm could produce damaging wind gusts and hail, but Whelan reiterated "storm chances are low" on Tuesday. Due to a lack of air conditioning, Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland, closed early at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Prince George's County Public Schools said in a social media post.
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