Rounds Of Storms, Some Severe, Target Northern VA In Latest Forecast

VIRGINIA — Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms could dampen weekend plans in Northern Virginia and rain is likely to continue into next week, according to the latest forecasts.

Rainfall across the region is likely to exceed one inch through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Some areas could see up to three inches with locally higher amounts possibly exceeding four inches.

Showers could move into the region Friday afternoon into Friday night. A couple of thunderstorms are possible and may produce gusty to damaging winds, NWS forecasters said, adding that the best chance for these thunderstorms will be along and west of I-81.

Meanwhile, the chance of thunderstorms increases on Saturday.

"Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening. A few of these storms may be severe with damaging winds and large hail," the NWS said.

According to the Capital Weather Gang, strong storms with downpours are possible as early as 2 p.m. Saturday, but most likely after 5 p.m.

Forecasters said ongoing drought conditions should temper a widespread flood threat, but any localized heavier rainfall amounts falling in a short period, particularly near complex terrain, could raise the threat of isolated flooding.

Strong storms and heavy rain remain possible through the overnight hours, forecasters said. Conditions will remain soggy on Sunday with periods of rain possible throughout much of the day and a lingering chance of isolated storms.

NWS forecasters said there is a higher potential for heavier showers and thunderstorms east of the Blue Ridge towards I-95.

Looking ahead to the work week, umbrellas may be necessary on Monday and Tuesday.

"Possibly our coolest and rainiest day of the workweek, Monday highs may only get within a few degrees of 70," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "Scattered showers and thunderstorms roam the region as a pesky high-altitude disturbance stalls nearby."

Storm and shower chances dip slightly on Tuesday, but there's still an 80 percent chance the region will see precipitation throughout the day and into the overnight hours.

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

Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Isolated showers between 8pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: Isolated showers between 11am and 2pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 77. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then showers likely. Low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Monday: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 78. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday: Showers likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.