Forecast: Rain Returns Tonight
More flooding a threat, but rain totals uncertain
*Flood Watch in effect this evening through Friday morning*
A weak frontal system and an area of low pressure will conspire to bring rain back into the picture tonight, especially after midnight into the first part of the day Friday. Unfortunately for sun-lovers, it looks like clouds will stick around on Friday and for parts of the weekend, though both Saturday and Sunday look predominately dry.
Increasing p.m. clouds. Mid to upper 70s. Rain tonight. Despite increasing afternoon clouds, temperatures -- aided by winds from the west at 5-10 mph -- will reach the mid to upper 70s. Tonight will be overcast, with periods of moderate rain moving into the area during the late evening or overnight hours. Expect mild lows near 60.
Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend into the start of next week, and see our forecast for Sunday's Post Hunt.
TOMORROW
Rain tapers. Cloudy. Low to mid 60s. Plan on a cloudy, rainy Friday morning. As the day wears on, rain should become more showery in nature. Expect cooler afternoon highs in the low to mid 60s (10-15 degrees below normal) along with winds from the north around 10 mph.
A few stray showers may stick around on what could be a rather breezy Friday evening, but I expect that most areas will be dry by then. Some clearing in the skies is possible overnight with lows from the upper 40s to the low 50s.
We'll likely see partly sunny skies and breezy conditions on Saturday with a chance of an afternoon or evening shower. Highs should be within a couple degrees of 70. Overnight lows, under mostly cloudy skies, will range from 50-55. Confidence: Medium-High
The Sunday forecast calls for mostly cloudy to overcast skies with a small (about 30%) chance of a few showers, especially later in the day. Highs should be in the upper 60s to near 70 with overnight lows in the mid 50s. Confidence: Medium
Tauntingly, just in time for your return to work on Monday, the weather will likely improve. Expect a return to mostly sunny skies with afternoon highs in the low to mid 70s and overnight lows in the 50s. Confidence: Medium
By Josh Larson |
May 15, 2008; 5:00 AM ET
Forecasts
Previous: Comment of the Week: Bob Ryan on Freakonomics |
Next: Photography: Great Falls in Flood Stage
Posted by: David A. in Stafford | May 15, 2008 5:35 AM
I was watching Channel 7 this morning, and they were sounding the alarm for heavy rains tomorrow morning and more flooding. This forecast looks a lot different (fortunately you are usually right!)
Posted by: Southside FFX | May 15, 2008 8:12 AM
Josh - any guess as to how widespread the morning showers will be? I am still on the fence about Bike-to-Work day, which is Friday!
Posted by: Joe in SS | May 15, 2008 8:12 AM
You beat me to it... I must live up to my namesake - Bike to Work day IS tomorrow morning...
http://www.waba.org/events/btwd/index.php
And hey, it was just a few years ago that we received around an inch on that morning. It was 50% swim-to-work.
We can do it again if need be!!! Bike, swim, crawl! Get out there and do it! (Sorry Nike)
Posted by: Bikerjohn | May 15, 2008 8:27 AM
New Drought Report is out -
Only 8 percent of VA is now under drought, down from 33% last week. The southwest portion of the state is under some abnormally dry conditions still
See http://drought.unl.edu/dm/DM_state.htm?VA,SE for info
Posted by: Jackson | May 15, 2008 8:36 AM
What is the situation in SE concerning the drought and river flow? Is there still a chance the nuc plants will shut down making for a very expensive and very hot summer for all of us in the east! Summer blackouts cant wait!
Posted by: | May 15, 2008 9:27 AM
precip amounts for tonight into tomorrow -- general guess of .5 to 1", but could be more. Models are not agreeing ... we should have a more confident estimate as to rain totals and potential impact by this afternoon's CommuteCast
Posted by: Capital Weather Gang | May 15, 2008 10:16 AM
What needs to happen to break this pattern we're currently in? Really getting sick of the rain. Would love to see some "seasonable" weather for more than 2 days in a row, and, for once, on a weekend.
Posted by: Ivan | May 15, 2008 10:55 AM
Can I get a Church Softball League Forecast?
I have games tonight at 8:40 and 9:50 in the Fairfax area. What is the likelihood that we'll be able to play (i.e. that any rain before @ 11 will be sufficiently light that it won't require the games to be called off). It seems to me that this will be a very close call. Thanks!
Posted by: NovaHoo | May 15, 2008 11:31 AM
NovaHoo -- Don't think we'll see much in the way of rain, beyond a sprinkle or light shower, until after 10 p.m. So the earlier game is probably in pretty good shape. It could be a close call with finishing the later game, but you just might squeeze it in before moderate rains arrive.
Posted by: Capital Weather Gang | May 15, 2008 12:55 PM
Catholic University Commencement exercises are going to be held outdoors on Saturday, scheduled to begin at 10:00 am. It appears that it may be breezy, but dry, during that time based on a forcast with medium - high confidence. Leave the umbrellas in the car, but hold on to our hats and programs, appears to be the best advice for those of us attending this upcoming event. Thanks Josh.
Posted by: | May 15, 2008 1:06 PM
Really, what needs to happen to break this pattern we're in?
Posted by: Captain of the Ark | May 15, 2008 1:32 PM
Can anyone project what we might have for winds on the Potomac near DC on Saturday? Josh mentions "breezy conditions", which could be perfect - or not. NWS marine forecast calls for SW winds 5-10kt. Are SCA conditions likely, which is often what we have on the back end of these exiting lows? I hope not, as I'd love the chance to finally sail!
Posted by: ~sg | May 15, 2008 1:32 PM
I'm no expert, but I believe the blocking pattern over Eastern Canada has to break down before our weather will change, and I don't think that is predicted to happen until early June.
Posted by: steve takoma park md | May 15, 2008 2:04 PM
The EURO has been advertising a pattern change to more summerlike around Memorial Day weekend.. American models not quite as gung ho, but there seems to be a light at the end of this tunnel if you are looking for warmer/drier weather.
Posted by: Ian, Capital Weather Gang | May 15, 2008 3:06 PM
Post a Comment
We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.
Josh, how much rain is expected in Stafford? After almost 9 inches in the last week, I hope it's under an inch.
Thanks.....