Listen to WTOP for the latest weather updates on the 8s and when it breaks.
This week’s cool, springlike temperatures and sunny skies will be overtaken by a dry heat on Thursday, turning into a sizzling heat Friday and then a long-awaited rain Saturday. Here’s a look ahead at the weekend’s forecast in the D.C. area.
The latter half of the week will feel more like summer than spring in the D.C. region.
In fact, 7news First Alert Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff said record heat could be in the cards for the District. Temperatures are expected to near 90 degrees Friday, just shy of the current record 89 degrees set at Reagan National Airport in 1976.
In the southern parts of WTOP’s listening area, some neighborhoods are expected to reach 90 degrees for the first time this year on Friday.
Despite the potentially record-breaking temperatures, the heat shouldn’t bring humidity with it this week. However, the Council of Governments has placed its second Code Orange warning of the year, noting that air levels could be unhealthy for sensitive groups including asthmatics and people with respiratory illnesses, children and older adults and anyone who works or plans to exercise outside.
Furthermore, a Fire Weather Watch has also been posted for our region’s western zones for the afternoon and evening on Friday. Outdoor burning is discouraged due to the drought, low humidity and winds.
Looking ahead at the weekend, temperatures should cool down to the upper 70s ahead of a cold front Saturday. Much-needed rain is in the forecast amid an ongoing moderate drought.
“Rain will develop during the evening hours with steadier rain toward midnight,” van de Graaff said.
Less than an inch of rainfall is expected. Southerly winds are forecast to bring gusts up to 35 mph.
Things are supposed to dry up overnight with no chance of precipitation on Sunday.
“Sunday will be cooler and breezy with highs in the low to mid 60s,” van de Graaff said.
Current Conditions
Forecast
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, very warm. Overnight clearing and cooling. Winds: South 5-10 mph. Highs in the mid-80s.
FRIDAY: Record challenging warmth. Winds: South 5-10. Highs nearing 90.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy and warm. Afternoon showers and storms. Highs in the 70s.
