Storms Move Into VA Thursday As Heat Dome Weakens

VIRGINIA — Scattered thunderstorms and rain are pushing their way across the Virginia on Thursday ahead of a cold front that will bring some relief after days of sweltering temperatures.

Much of Virginia was under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The watch includes the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg, as well as Arlington, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties.

The heat dome that's to blame for this week's excessive temperatures is now shrinking and weakening, according to AccuWeather forecasters, which makes it easier for thunderstorms to erupt.

According to forecasters, Thursday's storms could produce quarter-sized hail and pack damaging winds, with gusts up to 70 mph possible. Frequent lightning is also a possible threat, the NWS said.

Storms will likely arrive in the Baltimore area after 3 p.m. with flooding downpours possible, the Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast.

"Scattered storms could linger well into the evening, perhaps not dying down until around midnight," forecasters said.

A flood watch is also in effect from 3 p.m. on Thursday until midnight for Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas, as well as the Virginia Piedmont around Interstate 95. Scattered instances of flash flooding are possible.

On Friday, temperatures will be noticeably cooler, with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s. Scattered showers and storms are possible again, especially in the afternoon, before dissipating in the evening.

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area:

Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 5am, then a slight chance of showers. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 79. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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