7:00 AM | ****Major rain event in much of the eastern US from today into Friday...localized flash flooding a concern****
Paul Dorian
6-Day forecast for the Washington, D.C. metro region
Today
Periods of rain today and maybe a thunderstorm or two, some of the rain will be heavy at times, watch for localized flooding by late in the day, very windy with gusts possible to 40 mph, mild, highs in the mid 60’s
Tonight
Showers still likely during the evening hours, maybe a thunderstorm, some of the rain can be heavy at times, watch for localized flooding conditions, windy, mild, lows in the lower 50’s
Friday
Mainly cloudy, breezy, mild, occasional showers are likely, maybe a thunderstorm, low-to-mid 60’s for afternoon highs
Friday Night
Mainly cloudy, breezy, cooler, maybe a residual shower or two, near 50 degrees for late night lows
Saturday
Mainly sunny, breezy, milder, upper 60’s
Sunday
Increasing clouds, warmer, chance of showers later in the day and at night, near 75 degrees
Monday
Partly sunny, warm, chance of showers, lower 70's
Tuesday
Mainly sunny, a bit cooler, mid 60’s
Discussion
A north-to-south oriented surface cold frontal system that trails low pressure over the Great Lakes is inching its way towards the east coast and the atmosphere will moisten up significantly ahead it with an influx of tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico, SW Atlantic, and Caribbean Sea. This influx of tropical air will set the stage for excessive rainfall from today into tonight in much of the eastern US extending from the Carolinas to New York State. In fact, given the very slow movement of the frontal system and the high precipitable water amounts expected, total rainfall amounts could end up between 1.5 and 3 inches and flash flooding will become an increasing concern given the already saturated grounds. The upper-level energy supporting the low pressure will move over the Mid-Atlantic region on Friday generating additional showers and maybe a thunderstorm or two. The weekend should start off on a decent note with some sunshine on Saturday and milder conditions after possible early morning lingering clouds. Another system, however, is likely to push more showers into the region by later Sunday afternoon or Sunday evening.
Meteorologist Paul Dorian
Perspecta, Inc.
perspectaweather.com