The skies are rumbling: Strong to severe showers, thunderstorms possible for DC region

There’s a chance showers and thunderstorms — ranging from strong to severe — may strike the D.C. area Saturday afternoon and evening.

Listen live to WTOP for traffic and weather updates on the 8s.

There’s a chance showers and thunderstorms — ranging from strong to severe — may strike the D.C. area Saturday afternoon and evening.

Here’s what you need to know.

The National Weather Service said showers and thunderstorms are expected, with a risk of some severe weather and flash flooding between 3 and 8 p.m.

There is a marginal risk of severe weather today, mainly between 3 PM and 8 PM. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/nnIFJhRQ7Z

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 17, 2024

“If you do have afternoon-evening outdoor plans, make sure to keep an eye on the radar as there may be storms approaching your area, and some may have some gusty winds and some heavy rain,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans said.

Evans expects the storms and showers to end by midnight.

Sunday brings a higher chance of showers and storms later in the day. That could lead to flooding, especially in areas that have prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain, and wind gusts, according to Evans.

The weekend rainfall total could range from one-half to 1 inch.

An early taste of fall arrives Monday, due to a cold front which will lead to more chances of showers and storms. That means overnight temperatures will fall in the 50s and 60s, even though it’ll be around 80 in the afternoon.

7News First Alert Forecast

SATURDAY:
STORM ALERT
Mostly cloudy. Afternoon, evening storms becoming strong to severe. Highs nearing 90.
Winds: South 5-10 mph

SATURDAY NIGHT:
Showers and storms ending by midnight. Lows between 65 and 75.
Winds: South 5-10 mph

SUNDAY:
STORM ALERT
Mostly cloudy. Afternoon, evening storms. Highs in the 80s.
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph

NEXT WEEK: A cold front will slide through the D.C. area Monday, providing additional chances for showers and storms. Behind the front, expect an early taste of fall with overnight lows in the 50s and 60s in most suburbs and afternoon highs around 80.