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Evening storms threaten DC area, following intense heat — again

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The D.C. region may experience some storms Tuesday night, following repeated days of sticky heat topped with late-day showers and thunderstorms that have snarled traffic and led to flash flooding. 7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff said he expects sunshine to come through in the afternoon, with seasonably hot, humid conditions. [connatix_element_embed script_id=83bf2fbfc80e443394c5dd9cfa5a1d63 player_id=7bc491b4-922b-4e8d-b1b1-150648e80442 video_id=bfaa0c8c-5444-4fa7-91d2-801f16d3f92b align=right] With highs between 85 and 90, along with a heat index in the middle to upper 90s, D.C. government activated a heat alert until 8 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms may develop during the evening, according to van de Graaff, bringing downpours that could lead to flash flooding.

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The National Weather Service issued flood watches for south of the D.C. area, as far north as Fredericksburg, Virginia, and east of La Plata, Maryland, from 2 p.m. until midnight. It said affected areas could see rainfall rates between 1.5 and 2.5 inches per hour. Mainly dry conditions are expected overnight, with seasonably mild temperatures. Areas of patchy fog are possible.



Heavy rain pounded the D.C. region in the middle of Monday’s afternoon rush, as slow-moving thunderstorms led to flash flood warning for parts of D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia, plus a tornado warning in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. About 2 inches of rain fell within a few hours, leading to impassible roads in spots such as Vienna, Virginia, and Glen Echo and Ellicott City in Maryland. Water rescues were reported in Tysons, Virginia, and Silver Spring, Maryland. In a typical year, the National Weather Service office in the D.C. area issues one or two moderate risk rainfall outlooks. This July alone, there have already been three as of Monday, CNN reported.

Later this week

The hot and humid weather pattern is expected to stay put across the D.C. region, with Wednesday afternoon heat index values nearing 100. There’s a chance for a few showers and storms to develop during the day. Similar to days’ past, any rain cells that develop could cause flash flooding, according to van de Graaff. He said Thursday will be the hottest day of the week, with afternoon highs in the lower to middle 90s along with a heat index near 105. More showers and thunderstorms could develop, containing harsh wind gusts and the potential for additional flash flooding. Hot and humid weather will round out the workweek, with scattered shower and storm chances Friday afternoon and evening.

FORECAST

TUESDAY: Morning clouds, afternoon sunshine. Chance for storms later in the day. Highs between 85 and 90, with a heat index in the middle to upper 90s. Winds: South 5-10 mph TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows between 68 and 75. Winds: South 5 mph WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Chance for storms later in the day. Highs around 90, with a heat index near 100. Winds: South 5-10 mph THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. A few storms later in the day are possible. Highs between 90 and 95, with a heat index near 105. Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Chance for storms later in the day. Highs around 90. Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph

CURRENT CONDITIONS

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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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