VA Weather: Nor'easter Poses Thunderstorm Threat To Start Weekend

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — A shift in the forecast will bring a burgeoning nor'easter into Northern Virginia earlier than expected and might leave the balance of the weekend salvageable, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service said rain will move into Northern Virginia Friday afternoon, with moderate periods of showers expected at times.

The earlier arrival of the rain is due to a sweep of dry air expected to end the rain from southwest to northeast in the region by early Saturday morning, forecasters said.

"One or two strong thunderstorms cannot be ruled out east of the Blue Ridge between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.," the NWS said. "Gusty winds will be the main threat."

Showers should taper off by midnight, with rain totals possibly reaching around a quarter-inch, the Capital Weather Gang said.

The showers will do little to address the rainfall deficit in Northern Virginia and drought conditions in western counties, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

"Your rain chances for your Friday are 80 percent," NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell said. "Have your umbrella handy."

On Saturday, winds are expected around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. There's another chance of rain Saturday night.

Sunday's forecasts calls for sunny but windy conditions. "We're going to stay windy around here for Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday," Bell said.

Raking leaves on Sunday could be tricky, with the strong winds, he added.

On Monday night, low temperatures could reach near 40 degrees, followed by the return of unseasonably warm weather later in the week.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast through early next week in Northern Virginia:

Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 p.m. High near 70. South wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 p.m., then isolated showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a west wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Saturday night: A slight chance of showers before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. West wind 6 to 9 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a northwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 66.