Weather

Storms, Heavy Rains In MD Could Drench Military Parade: See Timing

A flood watch is in effect starting at 6 p.m. Friday for parts of Maryland and Washington, D.C. See the latest forecast.

MARYLAND — Flooding downpours and multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms across parts of Maryland could put a damper on President Donald Trump's massive military parade scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., this weekend and on protests against the administration.

A flood watch is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday until midnight Saturday for the District and parts of Maryland, including Prince George's, Montgomery, Charles and St. Mary's counties.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move into the region late this afternoon through this evening, forecasters said. Some thunderstorms will contain heavy rainfall with 1 to 3 inches possible within an hour or two, according to the National Weather Service.

Find out what's happening in Bowiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Storms may stall over the same areas, causing the possibility for locally higher amounts of around 4 to 5 inches of rain within a few hours.

"Heavy rainfall in a short period of time combined with already saturated soils means that creeks and streams may rapidly rise out of their banks, along with the potential for flash flooding in urban areas," the NWS said.

Find out what's happening in Bowiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On Saturday, conditions will be humid with a couple of showers or waves of light rain in the morning, according to the Capital Weather Gang. That will turn into hit-or-miss thunderstorms in the afternoon, with additional chances for downpours.

Scattered showers and storms are possible through Saturday evening and should wind down by midnight, forecasters said.

Showers and thunderstorms with heavy downpours remain possible through Sunday, with the potential for isolated instances of flooding and localized damaging wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather will likely dampen Saturday's military parade to honor the 250th birthday of the Army and the 79th birthday of President Trump. The parade is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and activities are planned throughout the day.

On Thursday, Trump said the parade would be a rain-or-shine event, according to a USA Today report.

"I hope the weather's okay, but actually if it's not, that brings you good luck, and that's okay, too," Trump said during the congressional picnic at the White House. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the tanks at all, it doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart."

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly also said there will be a military celebration "no matter what," USA Today reported.

“Any changes to the Army Birthday Parade will be announced by the Department of Defense or America 250 Commission. No matter what, a historic celebration of our military servicemembers will take place!” Kelly said.

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for the Baltimore region:

Friday: A slight chance of showers between 2pm and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7pm and 5am, then areas of drizzle and thunderstorms after 5am. Patchy fog between 2am and 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Areas of drizzle before 11am, then a slight chance of showers between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 72. East wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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