7:00 AM | *Rain threat begins later today and continues off and on through much of the weekend...this rainfall could put DC over the top for wettest year on record*
Paul Dorian
6-Day DC Forecast
Today
Cloudy with patchy fog, turning milder, rain likely to arrive by mid-afternoon, highs in the mid-to-upper 40’s
Tonight
Cloudy and chilly with a soaking rain, patchy fog likely as well, lows in the lower 40’s
Saturday
Cloudy, mild, more rain is likely, patchy fog possible, lower 50’s for afternoon highs
Saturday Night
Cloudy, becoming breezy and turning colder, chance for more showers, near 40 degrees for late night lows
Sunday
Cloudy, breezy, colder, more rain showers are likely, there is a chance that the rain mixes with snow or sleet later in the day or at night, low-to-mid 40’s
Monday
Partly sunny, becoming windy, cold, mid-to-upper 40’s
Tuesday
Mainly sunny, cold, near 40 degrees
Wednesday
Mainly sunny, cold, low-to-mid 40’s
Discussion
A broad area of moisture will push northeastward today from the southern states and rain is likely to overspread the area by the mid-to-late afternoon and then continue off and on through much of the upcoming weekend. This upcoming rain event could put the DC region over the top in terms of the record for wettest year ever as only 0.55 inches is needed to break the record of 61.33 inches set in 1889. This unfolding complex pattern will feature two surface low systems - one headed towards the Tennessee Valley and the other to the Mid-Atlantic coastline - and it’ll be supported by a vigorous and slow-moving wave of energy in the upper part of the atmosphere. Colder air will begin to seep into the area during the latter stages of the weekend and there is a chance that any lingering rain could mix with snow and/or sleet before it winds down; especially, in the higher elevations to the west and north. Once the complex system pulls slowly away from the east coast on Monday, the door will open for another cold shot to arrive from our northwest and this cold blast will be accompanied by another wave of energy in the upper atmosphere. Consequently, winds should increase noticeably later Monday and Monday night and they’ll continue to be quite strong on Tuesday as well from a northwesterly direction and a snow shower is possible.
Meteorologist Paul Dorian
Perspecta, Inc.
perspectaweather.com