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.
Dangerous heat continues Wednesday, with a few afternoon and evening storms possible. Some could become severe.
An approaching cold front increases storm chances Thursday. Heat index values may again approach 105 before afternoon and evening storms develop. Some storms could be strong to severe, though timing remains uncertain.
The cold front begins moving through the D.C. area Friday, bringing additional storm chances while gradually easing the most intense heat.
But Whelan said “the weather pattern will change by Saturday,” as Labor Day weekend looks cooler and more comfortable, with highs in the mid-80s and lower humidity.
Whelan expects a few showers and thunderstorms are possible Saturday as the cold front crosses the region, but said Sunday and Labor Day are trending dry.
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FORECAST
TODAY: WEATHER ALERT: Partly cloudy, hot. Chance of PM storm. Highs between 93 and 98, with a heat index between 100 and 105.
Winds: West 5-10 mph
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain, storms. Lows between 72 and 78.
Winds: Light
WEDNESDAY: WEATHER ALERT: Partly cloudy, hot. Chance of PM storm. Highs between 90 and 95, with a heat index between 100 and 105.
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
THURSDAY: WEATHER ALERT: Partly cloudy, hot. Chance of PM storm. Highs between 92 and 96, with a heat index between 100 and 105.
Winds: West 5-10 mph
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Chance of rain, storms. Highs near 90.
Winds: Southwest 10-15 mph
SATURDAY: Partly sunny. Chance of showers and storms. Highs near 84.
SUNDAY: Partly sunny. Highs near 84.
LABOR DAY MONDAY: Partly sunny, trending dry. Highs in the mid-80s.
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