Storms Could Bring Hail, Winds To VA: See Timing, Forecast

A round of thunderstorms could disrupt the Thursday evening commute across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., as a slow-moving cold front pushes through the region.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop Thursday afternoon and evening. According to the National Weather Service, areas around and south of Interstate 66 and U.S. 50 have a better chance of seeing storms.

The overall severe weather threat is low, but forecasters said they cannot rule out a stronger storm.

For the D.C. and Northern Virginia region, the most likely window for thunderstorm development is about 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday. That puts some of the strongest activity in the region during the evening commute.

Gusty to potentially damaging winds are the primary concern, along with frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.

Showers are expected to become more widespread Thursday evening and overnight as the cold front moves through, with rain potentially continuing into the predawn hours Friday.

Temperatures will remain warm and humid ahead of the front, with highs reaching the upper 80s to around 90 degrees in parts of Northern Virginia and the D.C. region.

What About The Weekend?

Friday should bring a temporary break for much of Northern Virginia and D.C., with most of the region expected to stay dry after any lingering early showers move out.

Rain chances return over the weekend as another weak front approaches. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible Saturday and Sunday, particularly during the afternoon and evening.

Severe weather is not expected to be widespread this weekend, although forecasters said a few stronger storms with gusty winds cannot be ruled out. Temperatures should generally remain in the 80s with plenty of humidity.

Detailed Northern Virginia Forecast

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind around 7 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1am and 5am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. Light northwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A chance of showers before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Patchy fog between midnight and 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 65. Calm wind.

Saturday: A chance of showers between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: A chance of showers before 8am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.