Heat advisory and severe thunderstorms expected in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia on Saturday
A heat advisory and a risk of severe storms, including strong wind gusts and possible hail, are forecast for the DMV region Saturday, while lingering wildfire smoke is expected to improve by afternoon.
Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia will face a transition from lingering wildfire smoke to a combination of extreme heat and severe weather on Saturday. The National Weather Service said fine-particle pollution from Canadian wildfires will remain at Code Red to Code Purple levels through the morning but should lessen as winds shift, allowing visibility to improve by early afternoon.
A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. across the region, with temperatures projected to reach the mid-90s and heat index values near 105 degrees. Officials advise residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity and seek air-conditioned environments when possible.
Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected through the evening, with the greatest risk of damaging wind gusts that could approach 70 mph. Large hail, isolated tornadoes and heavy rain capable of flash flooding are also possible. In Washington, the most likely period for storms is after 3 p.m., though timing may vary.
The weather outlook calls for conditions to improve after the storms pass on Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 89 degrees expected for the Washington area.