Showers and thunderstorms appear to be leaving the Washington DC area on this hot and humid Fourth of July after torrential rains impacted some outdoor celebrations.
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Parts of the Washington, D.C., area are drying out on this hot and humid Fourth of July after torrential rain disrupted some outdoor celebrations Thursday night. Here’s what you need to know.
People dressed in patriotic costumes huddled under umbrellas on the National Mall as rain pounded on crowds earlier Thursday night. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather on the Mall in the coming hours to watch Washington’s famous fireworks display.
According to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans, the showers and thunderstorms are expected to clear by sunset, in time for the fireworks.
After a short break in the wet weather, a few thunderstorms could develop overnight.
The forecast prompted temporary adjustments ahead of “A Capitol Fourth,” according to a social media post from Capitol Police. Police closed the entrance to the event for more than an hour Thursday. With the storms having passed, police are reopening the entrance and the concert is set to begin on time at 8 p.m. on CBS.
The July 4 concert on Pennsylvania Avenue was canceled due to rain. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a social media post that the rain had stopped and the concert would go on.
The National Weather Service said some of Thursday’s storms could produce strong, violent winds, lightning and heavy rain.
“The Storm Prediction Center has us in that marginal risk category of Level 1,” said 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan. “So one or two storms are capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph.”
Most of the storms are expected to end around 9 p.m., before the fireworks take place in the Washington, D.C. area.
A heat advisory is also in effect until 8 p.m. throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Another heat advisory will be issued Friday, as temperatures will range between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Earlier in the day, air quality was poor in some areas. Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. were under orange air quality alerts, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, while Maryland is facing only moderate air quality.
“This is a code orange, which is harmful to sensitive groups,” said Veronica Johnson, chief meteorologist for 7News First Alert. “If you have lung or heart problems, limit your time outdoors today.”
The Washington Metropolitan District Council of Governments says these vulnerable groups also include the elderly, people with asthma, pregnant women and children.
The poor air quality is caused by particle pollution, which the nonprofit Clean Air Partners says often occurs when fireworks encounter high temperatures.
The Washington DC Department of Energy and Environment says air pollution levels temporarily increase around Independence Day and recommends that sensitive groups limit their time outdoors before and during fireworks shows. The department also recommends wearing an N95 or K-N95 mask to limit exposure to pollution.
Warm and humid weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with a risk of thunderstorms returning to the DC area.
“It will be hot and humid on Friday and Saturday, with a chance of rain in the afternoon,” Whelan said. “Sunday will be dry, with maximum temperatures around 32C.”
The heat advisory will be in effect again Friday from noon to 8 p.m. as well.
Current weather:
Forecast:
THE FOURTH OF JULY
HEAT ADVISORY, STORM WARNING, AIR QUALITY ALERT
Partly cloudy
Risk of showers, thunderstorms
Strong points : 90-95
Heat index: near 100-105
The winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Expect a typically hot and humid Fourth of July with a chance to see Mother Nature’s fireworks this afternoon. A heat advisory begins at noon and will last until 8 p.m. The high for the day will reach 90 degrees with a feel-good temperature near 100 degrees. A passing shower is possible this morning, but more scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon and evening, some with pockets of moderate to heavy rain. A thunderstorm or two could reach severe limits with damaging winds, so have a way to receive alerts later in the day. If thunder rumbles, head indoors. Fortunately, most of the rain and thunderstorms should be over by the time the fireworks go off at 9 p.m.
Thursday evening
Mostly cloudy
Weak points : 75-80
The winds: Southwest 5 mph
It will be a hot and humid night with lows around 70 degrees.
FRIDAY
HEAT ALERT
Partly sunny
PM Storms
Strong points : 93-97
Heat index: 100-105
The winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Expect an even hotter and more humid day to end the week. Maximum temperatures will reach the mid-32°C, but with the humidity, the feel-good temperature will reach near 40°C. Additional risks of showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon and early evening.
SATURDAY
Partly sunny
Strong points : 92-96
The winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
It will be another very hot and humid day with afternoon temperatures feeling like 105 degrees. An isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible.
SUNDAY
Partly to mostly sunny
Strong points : 90-95
The winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
A drop in humidity is expected to end the weekend, which will be a welcome change. It will still be warm with afternoon highs of between 32 and 35 degrees.
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