Washington, DC is in for a stormy Tuesday with showers and thunderstorms likely through 4 PM ET and a high near 78°F — most outdoor plans are better off waiting until this evening.
Today’s Setup
A mid-level trough is sweeping through the region today, according to the National Weather Service, triggering widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. The flip from yesterday is dramatic — temperatures will run roughly 20 degrees cooler. Northwest winds arrive at 3 to 15 mph with gusts reaching 21 mph, making even a quick errand feel rough. This is a stay-in-the-Metro kind of commute day.
When Storms Are Worst
Here’s the timing breakdown, all in ET:
- 8–11 AM: Scattered rain showers start the morning
- 11 AM–4 PM: The active window — showers and thunderstorms, with potential for heavy rain
- After 4 PM: Rain exits west to east; mostly clear tonight, low around 62°F
The National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and anywhere near the Potomac waterfront will be soggy through midday. If you’re commuting into the District, Metro wins today.
Southern Maryland heads-up: The National Weather Service is specifically watching Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, where locally heavy rain — 3 or more inches in a short window — is possible this afternoon, raising localized flooding concerns from roughly 2–7 PM ET. Avoid low-lying roads in that area and stay tuned to local alerts.
Nationals vs. Phillies: Skip Today, Go Wednesday
The Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies series at Nationals Park runs Tuesday through Thursday — today’s game falls squarely in the storm window, so check for delays or postponements before you head out. Wednesday’s matchup is a completely different story: sunny skies and a high near 82°F with no rain in the forecast. That’s the day to pull on a Washington Nationals jersey and Washington Nationals fitted cap and enjoy some baseball weather down by the waterfront. Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub for Wednesday or Thursday’s games.
Dinner for a Rainy Day
This afternoon was made for low-and-slow cooking. Load up a programmable slow cooker with chili or beef stew before you head out this morning and come home to dinner ready. An enameled cast iron Dutch oven is equally ideal for a big pot of homemade soup on the stovetop. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Wednesday and Thursday are the stars of the week — sunny and near 82°F on Wednesday, warming toward the upper 80s by Thursday. That’s your window for yard work, mowing, golf, or heading back to Nationals Park. Enjoy the stretch while it lasts: the National Weather Service is tracking a strong cold front arriving by the weekend, bringing rain and thunderstorm chances back to the DC area. If you’ve got weekend plans or concert tickets, keep an eye on the forecast. Check outdoor gear deals before Saturday rolls in.
