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Showers could bring gusty winds, heavy rain to DC area Wednesday

If you’re sick of the wet weather, there’s some good news in store for Wednesday: This is expected to be the last day in a while.

The bad news: It could be a bit brutal.

A cold front will move through the D.C. region, sweeping away the “unsettled weather pattern,” bringing in showers and thunderstorms, 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan said.

“It’s going to be very humid, highs will get to either side of 80 degrees. Now, keep the umbrella on hand all day,” Whelan said.

Showers and storms could bring in damaging wind gusts Wednesday afternoon and evening. 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin said any storms that develop could bring wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Whelan said that while there is a slight risk of severe weather, the unstable tropical moisture and stronger winds aloft may bring storms capable of producing heavy rain and isolated flooding, particularly in urban areas.

“The National Weather Service will likely issue some severe thunderstorm warnings for some damaging wind gusts, also for some of those downpours. So, we could see some localized flooding,” Whelan said.

The National Weather Service scaled back a severe thunderstorm watch it issued earlier in the day for areas south of the District.

The storms should start to die down around dinner time. Temperatures will drop to the 60s, with lingering showers or drizzle possible overnight.

Sunshine and lower humidity levels will return on Thursday, with highs in the mid-70s.



FORECAST

WEDNESDAY EVENING:
Any showers and storms end
Temperatures: 70s to 60s
Winds: West 5-10 mph
Wet weather chances will ease this evening with a few lingering showers for the metro, and storms well to the south. The main threat for any stronger storms that remain will be damaging wind gusts to 60 mph, with isolated pockets of very heavy rain. A severe thunderstorm watch remains active for the Northern Neck and southern Maryland until 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
Lingering showers. Drizzle. Fog
Lows: 63-68
Winds: Light
It will remain cloudy and damp overnight with mild temperatures in the 60s. Areas of patchy fog may develop, so be mindful of reduced visibilities on area roads. Lingering showers and/or drizzle is possible during the overnight hours keeping the pavement damp, so drive with extra caution.

THURSDAY:
Mostly sunny
Highs: 77-82
Winds: North 10-15 mph
A big improvement is on the way. The cold front clears the air and ushers in noticeably lower humidity and brighter skies. A reinforcing front could spark an isolated afternoon shower, however, the risk is mainly south of D.C. Highs reach the upper 70s and lower 80 with a refreshing northwest breeze picking up in the afternoon. By evening, skies are clearing nicely across the beltway.

FRIDAY:
Mostly sunny
Highs: 73-78
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
Excellent conditions are in store across the DMV. Sunshine, low humidity and highs in the middle 70s mark a complete turnaround from the week’s rough stretch. Mornings start in the 50s with nothing to worry about weather-wise from sunrise to sunset.

SATURDAY:
Mostly sunny
Highs: 72-77
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
Another great day is on tap. A weak disturbance could bring a few extra clouds, mainly north and west of the Beltway, but the day stays mostly dry and pleasant. Highs in the mid 70s with comfortable humidity make this an ideal setup for graduation parties, yard work or any outdoor plans across the region.

SUNDAY:
Mostly sunny
Highs: around 75
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
Quiet weather continues through the end of the weekend with a blend of sun and clouds and seasonable temperatures. High pressure remains in control, keeping conditions dry and comfortable across the DMV. Plan for highs in the middle 70s with morning lows in the 50s. A very nice finish to the weekend and final day of the month.

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