Storms late Thursday could bring hail, winds, tornado risk to DC area – WTOP News
Thursday’s heat and humidity could make way for potentially severe evening thunderstorms in the D.C. region, “with damaging winds the primary threat along with the possibility of large hail,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin said.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northwestern Fauquier, central Warren and north central Rappahannock counties after a powerful storm was spotted near Front Royal, Virginia. That warning is set to expire at 5 p.m.
Another severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for central Harford and east central Baltimore counties in Maryland until 4:45 p.m.
Central and northeastern Maryland could bear the brunt of the storms, seeing pockets of heavy rainfall that could flood some areas. And a week after a confirmed tornado in Queen Anne’s County, Rudin said, “an isolated spin-up cannot be ruled out, especially farther north and northeast.”
“The severe threat should begin winding down after about 9 or 10 p.m.,” he said.
The National Weather Service, meanwhile, sent out a severe thunderstorm watch for D.C.; 14 counties in Maryland, including Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard and Anne Arundel; and 24 counties in Virginia — a list that includes Arlington, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Culpeper and Fairfax counties, as well as the independent Northern Virginia cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.
The NWS watch is set to end at 10 p.m. But a few isolated storms could pop-up after midnight.
More showers and thunderstorms are in Friday’s afternoon and evening forecast as a cold front works its way through the region, but the risk of severe weather is considerably lower.
Over the weekend, the weather is expected to be sunnier and drier, with temperatures in the mid-80s, but both the temperatures and the humidity could climb again beginning Monday.
Full forecast
THURSDAY EVENING: Areas of rain and storms. Temperatures in the 70s to 80s.
Winds: South 5-10 mph
THURSDAY NIGHT: Rain and storms ending with patchy fog. Lows between 65 and 70.
Winds: Light
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy with stray storms. Highs between 83 and 88.
Winds: South 5-10 mph
SATURDAY: Partly sunny with highs near 85.
Winds: Northeast 5-10 mph
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy with highs between 85 and 90.
Winds: Southwest 10-15 mph
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.