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Heavy rain, gusty winds hit DC area Thursday evening

Heavy rain moved through parts of the D.C. region Thursday evening, creating a soggy evening commute along several major highways.

WTOP meteorologist Mike Stinneford said some of the heaviest rain fell across the close-in western suburbs, including Potomac, Great Falls, McLean, Tysons and Springfield, as well as the Woodbridge area.

“Rainfall rates about an inch per hour, along with some gusty winds,” Stinneford said.

More afternoon and evening storms are possible Friday, as temperatures are again set to climb into the mid-90s. It could feel as hot as 102 on Friday afternoon. Just like Thursday, damaging winds will be the main concern with any storms that do pop up Friday.

The weekend may not bring relief from rough weather, as more afternoon storms are in the forecast Saturday with the potential for even more damaging winds.

Full forecast 

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with storms ending
Lows: 70-75
Winds: East 5 mph
After a few lingering showers, it stays very warm and muggy, with temperatures settling to the 70s by dawn.

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy with afternoon storms
Highs: 90-95 with a heat index of 97-102
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Partly sunny, hot and humid with afternoon temperatures reaching the low 90s. Heat index values climb into the low 100s. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon and evening, along with a chance for a few strong to severe storms. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat.

SATURDAY: Partly cloudy with afternoon storms
Highs: 87-92 with a heat index of 95-100
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Hot and humid once again, with afternoon temperatures near 90 and heat index values close to 100. Scattered showers and thunderstorms develop during the afternoon and evening. Some storms may become strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts remaining the main concern.

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny
Highs: 88-93 with a heat index of 95-100
Winds: West 5-10 mph
A brief break from the daily thunderstorm chances is expected. It will be mostly dry, partly sunny, hot and humid, with afternoon temperatures reaching the low 90s. Heat index values climb into the upper 90s to near 100.

MONDAY: Hot and humid with a storm chance
Highs: 92-97
Winds: West 5-10 mph
Hot and humid conditions continue, with afternoon temperatures reaching the low to mid 90s and heat index values at or above 100. A few showers and thunderstorms may return later in the day or during the evening, beginning another stretch of daily storm chances.

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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