NoVA, DC Weather Forecast: 60 MPH Winds, Hail, Tornado Threat

VIRGINIA/DC — Thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, large hail and a possible tornado are in the forecast for Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., on Monday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday, the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch for all of Northern Virginia and D.C. until 9 p.m. Damaging wind gusts and large hail are the main threats, the NWS said.

There's also a threat of flash flooding across the entire Northern Virginia and D.C. area Monday afternoon and evening.

Temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees on Monday, with the severe storms forecast to arrive after 4 p.m.

"The strongest storms may produce winds up to 70 mph and hail up to the size of ping pong balls," 7News Meteorologist Mark Peña said. “An isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out.”

The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said the threat of severe storms exists because of the heat, humidity and an unstable atmosphere.

"In order of highest probability first: damaging wind gusts near or over 60 mph; large hail; flooding downpours; even a tornado," the Capital Weather Gang said. "Please stay aware of the weather."

The evening commute home will likely be affected by the strong storms, forecasters said.

NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell said storms will begin near Interstate 81 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and then move into the D.C. area during the evening commute. Damaging gusts over 70 mph and a tornado are possible, Bell said.

The threat of damaging winds and hail will begin to decrease in the evening hours of Monday, according to the Capital Weather Gang. But strong storms could still be moving through the area with downpours through midnight, especially to the south and east of the District of Columbia, forecasters said.

The severe weather and heavy rain in the forecast this week come after a dry spell across the Mid-Atlantic for most of the first half of 2023. As of June 20, most of Northern Virginia and D.C. were classified as being in a moderate drought, while parts of Maryland were in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast for the work week in Northern Virginia and D.C.:

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. High near 90.

Monday night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 65. South wind 6 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 82.

Tuesday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 64.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.