Weather in Washington, D.C. turned wetter Wednesday as the National Weather Service put the D.C. region under a flood watch starting at 4 a.m. and lasting until 11 a.m. Heavy rainfall and localized flooding are possible, with flash flooding a concern for the rest of the morning.
By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures could climb into the low to upper 80s before another round of storms builds later in the day. Veronica Johnson of 7News said, "strong thunderstorms are possible after 5 p.m."
DC region roads and drainage
The morning rain has already saturated the ground, and moderate to heavy rain is expected to continue for the next several hours. That leaves low-lying roads and poor drainage areas most exposed to standing water if the heavier showers line up over the same places.
Rain is expected to diminish before noon Wednesday, but that does not end the risk right away. The forecast still calls for a chance of rain and severe storms into the weekend, so the pattern stays active even after the morning watch expires.
Veronica Johnson forecast
Johnson’s timing puts the next round of stronger weather after the midday lull, not during the early commute. Wednesday night also carries a chance of showers and storms before midnight, followed by a hotter Thursday with highs between 89 and 93 degrees and isolated showers and thunderstorms possible by Thursday evening.
The rest of the week stays unsettled. Friday is expected to be hot and humid with highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s, afternoon thunderstorms possible, and some storms capable of heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds. Saturday stays hot and humid with afternoon storms and highs in the low to mid 90s.
National Weather Service watch
The flood watch ends at 11 a.m. Wednesday, but the more practical question for people in the D.C. region is how much rain falls before then. With saturated ground already in place, even short bursts can still turn streets and drainage trouble spots into local flood risks before the watch lifts.
