Heat Wave, Severe Storms To Strike VA As Big Weather Change Arrives: Latest Forecast

The seasonable, dry conditions Northern Virginia experienced the first half of the week won't last as humidity and heat are expected to arrive soon. Rising temperatures will also usher in the return of severe thunderstorms to the state, according to the latest forecast.

Humidity levels will start increasing Wednesday, the National Weather Service said, with temperatures in the mid-80s. By Thursday, the mercury will creep up with highs in the upper 80s.

A heat dome will push into eastward later this week and extend into the Northeast, and while temperatures won't break records, it still will be very hot and unpleasant, according to AccuWeather forecasters.

AccuWeather also predicts "especially nasty" storms along the edges of that heat dome.

By Friday, a heat advisory could be issued as temperatures in Northern Virginia are predicted to climb as high as 97 degrees. Heat index values could reach 105 degrees, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

According to the NWS, the best chances for severe weather will be west of Interstate 81, but an isolated storm could develop as far east as the I-95 corridor. The greatest chance for showers and storms will be before 11 p.m. Friday, then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Then, for the weekend, very warm and humid conditions can be expected, along with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, the National Weather Service said.

"Heat sticks around for the weekend, with highs aiming for the mid-90s Saturday and low to mid-90s Sunday," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "High humidity should push the heat index to near or above 100 both days. Storm chances ramp higher with scattered late-day storms possible both days. Some could be strong to severe."

Here's the latest detailed NWS forecast for the Northern Virginia:

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southeast wind around 9 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 9 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind 7 to 9 mph.

Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. West wind around 8 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 79.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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