D.C. area forecast: Storm chance lingers today with terrific Thursday on tap

Today: Partly sunny. 20-40% chance of showers/storms. Upper 80s. | Tonight: Shower/storm chance early, then clearing skies. Mid-60s to near 70. | Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. Upper 80s to near 90. | A Look Ahead | Get Express Forecast by E-mail

A somewhat subjective rating of the day’s weather, on a scale of 0 to 10


Wish we could be more confident as to if/where/when storms form, but the pattern just doesn’t allow it. Get the Digit on Twitter | Discuss on Facebook

So I’m having a bit of a confidence crisis with this forecast. Cold fronts are to blame - one that takes its time crossing the area today, and another that approaches Friday and then stalls to our south over the weekend. The result is uncertain shower and storm chances pretty much every day today through the weekend, except for tomorrow which is shaping up quite nice!

Today (Wednesday): A slowly departing cold front lingers long enough for a 20% chance of showers and storms in the morning, rising to 40% for the afternoon into early evening. Best chance of strong storms is south and southeast of town. Even though breezes are somewhat drying from the west-northwest, humidity is still noticeable as highs climb to the upper 80s under partly sunny skies. Confidence: Medium

What is the Storm Threat Level?

Tonight: As the front moves away by mid-evening, so do shower and storm chances. Skies should become increasingly clear later in the evening and overnight as lows reach the mid-60s to near 70. Confidence: Medium-High

For related traffic news, check out Dr. Gridlock. Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend...

Tomorrow (Thursday): High pressure and light winds from the west-northwest make for a really nice Thursday. Highs top out in the upper 80s to near 90 with plenty of sun and low humidity for mid-August. Confidence: High

Tomorrow night: That lower humidity means a very pleasant evening. Skies should stay mostly to partly clear through the night with lows in the mid-60s to near 70. Confidence: High

Our next cold front approaches on Friday, eventually leading to rising humidity, increasing clouds, and a 40-50% chance of afternoon showers and storms Friday afternoon into Friday night. Daytime highs should hit the upper 80s to low 90s, followed by Friday night lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Confidence: Low-Medium

Not the most clear-cut of weekend forecasts. The cold front stalls to our south, and as of now may or may not be close enough to spread some showers or thunderstorms our way. Humidity should be on the lower side with cooler highs from near 80 to the low 80s. Confidence: Low