Washington DC is bracing for a stormy Tuesday, with a high near 86°F and a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms as a strong cold front sweeps through. If you have plans near Nationals Park, the National Mall, or Fitzgerald Tennis Center, get them done early or keep an umbrella close.
Today’s Setup
A potent low pressure system tracks from the Great Lakes toward New England today, dragging a strong cold front across the DC area. Storm coverage builds steadily: a chance of showers before 8 AM, tapering through midmorning, then increasing from 11 AM to 2 PM before showers and thunderstorms become likely from 2 PM to 5 PM and beyond. Winds run southwest at 6 to 12 mph, gusting to 21 mph, with rainfall totals of three quarters to one inch possible. Tonight stays unsettled, with a 73 percent chance of storms before 11 PM and a low around 69°F.
Best Window To Be Outside
Aim for early morning before 8 AM, or the short lull between 9 and 11 AM. Storms increase sharply between 2 PM and 8 PM, lingering into evening across the southeast part of the region. Save the Rock Creek Park run or Mount Vernon Trail ride for first thing in the morning.
Storm And Flood Risk
The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the forecast area in a Slight Risk for severe weather, with damaging wind gusts as the top concern, plus large hail and a brief tornado possible from low-level wind shear. A Flood Watch is also in effect for northeastern Maryland, and with precipitable water over 1.7 inches, training storms could bring flash flooding even outside that watch area. Avoid driving through standing water, and watch your yard with a camera like the Wyze Cam Pan v4 4K Security Camera.
Nationals, Tennis, And Tonight’s Shows
The Washington Nationals host the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Nationals Park, but with storms likely, expect a bumpy gameday. Wednesday’s rematch, under sunny skies and a high near 85°F, looks safer. Gear up with a Washington Nationals jersey or Washington Nationals fitted cap, and Get tickets on SeatGeek for either date. Outdoor tennis at the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Fitzgerald Tennis Center could also see delays. Prefer to stay dry? Passion Pit plays 9:30 Club and Cruz Beckham and The Breakers hit The Atlantis tonight, both indoors. Lord Huron comes to The Anthem August 2 and Metric headlines there August 1; Find tickets on StubHub and grab a Lord Huron hoodie or Metric t-shirt beforehand.
Dinner Tonight
Storms make this a stay-in, slow-cooker night. Chili or beef stew in a programmable slow cooker or enameled cast iron Dutch oven will warm the house while the rain falls. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Wednesday turns sunny with a high near 85°F, northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, and gusts to 24 mph — a great day for yard work with an EGO Power+ battery deal powering the mower. The Weather Service expects a few more rain chances through the weekend, but no hazardous weather between Wednesday and Sunday. Browse our outdoor gear deals for more ahead of the next stretch.
