Weather

Severe Storms Bring 60 MPH Winds To NoVA, DC: Latest Warnings

National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the DC region late Monday afternoon as storms with 60 mph winds move in.

Updated at 5:33 p.m. Monday

VIRGINIA — In a day already marked by heat advisories, the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Washington, D.C., and parts of Northern Virginia.

The warning includes the District of Columbia plus parts of Loudoun County, Arlington County, the city of Falls Church, parts of Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria until 6 p.m.

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

At 5:13 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Great Falls, moving east at 25 mph. The storm is capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts.

The weather service said trained weather spotters reported numerous downed trees and power lines in Loudoun County because of this storm.

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

Communities affected include: Arlington, Alexandria, Germantown, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Reston, Annandale, College Park, Herndon, Greenbelt, Langley Park, Beltsville, Vienna, Falls Church, Lowes Island, Bladensburg, Mantua, Pimmit Hills, and National Harbor.

A day after record high temperatures were set, the National Weather Service issued heat advisories from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and from Tuesday morning into the evening hours for the greater Baltimore-Washington, DC region.

Expect dangerously hot weather and possibly heat indexes of around 110 on both days, according to the NWS forecast.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," according to the NWS forecast.

On Sunday, a record high temperature of 101 degrees was set at Washington Reagan National Airport, breaking the old record of 100, while the record high of 98 degrees was tied at Dulles International Airport.

Baltimore Washington International Airport tied its record high of 101 degrees on Sunday, the NWS said.

An excessive heat warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, while an excessive heat watch is in effect Tuesday morning through evening, the weather service said.

An excessive heat warning means dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 degrees are expected, the agency said. An excessive heat watch means dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 are possible.

"Very warm and humid conditions will persist into the overnight hours, adding heat stress to those without air conditioning. Ensure to stay hydrated and find ways to stay cool," the NWS said.

(NWS)

Monday will be sunny with scatter showers and thunderstorms moving into the area after 2 p.m., with a high temperature near 91 and heat index values as high as 101, according to NWS.

On Monday afternoon, a calm wind will blow in from the southwest around 5 mph. There will be a 30 percent chance of precipitation.

Expect Tuesday's weather to be more of the same, with temperatures ranging from 96 to 102 and possible heat indexes of 98-111, according to NWS. Isolated thunderstorms will move across the region during the afternoon and into the evening.

(NWS)

NWS shared the following guidance on how residents across the Baltimore-Washington area can avoid the effects of the dangerously high temperatures:

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Here is the National Weather Service's forecast for the week ahead in the greater DC area.

  • Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
  • Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 79. South wind around 9 mph.
  • Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
  • Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
  • Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Thursday Night: A chance of thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
  • Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.
  • Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
  • Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
  • Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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