Rain, Gusty Winds To Pelt Virginia On Wednesday: Latest Forecast

Wednesday will be a dreary and wet day for Virginia as a coastal storm meanders across the region, bringing rounds of showers, gusty winds and cooler temperatures to parts of the state, according to the latest forecasts.

On Tuesday, a slow-moving coastal storm brought widespread and much-needed rain to parts of Virginia, which had been experiencing abnormally dry conditions. The rainfall is expected to ease the drought in parts of the region.

According to The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang, rainfall on Tuesday and Tuesday night exceeded forecasted predictions. Amounts of at least 0.75 inches were widespread and extending well northwest of D.C., where predictions called for much less rainfall.

Reagan National Airport received 0.86 inches, Washington Dulles 0.84 inches and Baltimore-Washington International Marshall 0.71 inches, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

See a full list of Tuesday's rainfall totals from the National Weather Service.

While the coastal storm responsible for these totals has weakened, similar conditions are expected for much of Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters said.

"A coastal low will meander over the region today, bringing cloudy, cool temps & passing showers. Conditions dry out tonight," the National Weather Service said. "Dry and warmer to end the week. Another cold front moves through at the start of the weekend."

How much additional rainfall the region receives on Wednesday will vary, forecasters said.

"Additional rainfall will (range) from less than 0.1 inches to an inch or so where the heaviest downpours track," the Capital Weather Gang said. "Models generally simulate the highest additional amounts in northwest Virginia and west central Maryland."

On Wednesday, winds are expected to reach 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

As a result, a small craft advisory is in effect for portions of the Chesapeake Bay and the Patapsco and Chester rivers until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

"Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions," the National Weather Service said.

Looking ahead, clouds will linger into Thursday before eventually giving way to sunny skies. Residents of Northern Virginia can also expect plenty of sunshine on Friday and through the weekend. Temperatures on Friday will reach the mid-80s before cooling on Saturday and Sunday, when highs are only expected to reach the mid-70s.

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for Northern Virginia:

Wednesday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers, mainly before 10pm. Patchy fog before 1am, then patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. North wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 82. Northwest wind around 7 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 7 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 78.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76.