1. No clouds today
2. Temperatures back near average
3. Tropical Storm Francine strengthening
4. No tropical rains for us

The long stretch of quiet weather in the tropics has come to an end.

“Francine” is now a tropical storm and will soon become a hurricane. There is good agreement among the forecast models that Francine will make landfall along the west central coast of Louisiana around sunset Wednesday – most likely as a Category 2 storm.

Even the most optimistic outlook for rain keeps us dry through at least the next five to six days before any rain can materialize. So the drought continues.

In the meantime, September sunshine will rule. Daytime highs will reach the low-80s today and the mid-80s on Wednesday and Thursday.

We should get some high clouds from Francine by Friday and the weekend. That, plus a change in wind direction to the Southeast, should keep highs in the low 80s for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Tropical Storm Francine’s impacts in the South

This forecast is not good news for New Orleans. The strongest storm surge will be pushed up the mouth of the Mississippi River, with the heaviest rain coming just upriver from New Orleans.

Significant inland flooding will occur from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge. By Thursday’s sunset, the core of Francine will travel up the Mississippi and be near Memphis, Tennessee.

There is less certainty about where all that tropical moisture will go from there but, as of now, it looks as though our dominating ridge of high pressure will hold firm and keep from getting any of the rainfall we so desperately need.

Further out into the future, there are hints of a tropical storm organizing off the Carolina coast about a week from now. If that happens (and that is a big if seven days out) we might finally get a soaking rain. StormTeam4 will follow all of this closely.

Weather radar

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

10-day forecast

Quickcast

TODAY:
Mostly Sunny
Super Low Humidity
Light Breeze
Wind: Northwest 4-8 mph
Chance Of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 78° – 84°

TONIGHT:
Mainly Clear
Comfortable
Coolest In Rural Areas
Chance Of Rain: 0%
Wind: Variable 2-5 mph
LOWS: 54° – 64°

WEDNESDAY:
Mostly Sunny
Slightly More Humid
Light Breeze
Chance Of Rain: 0%
Wind: Southeast 4-8 mph
HIGHS: 82° – 86°

THURSDAY:
Sunny Morning
Increasing Clouds
Staying Dry
Wind: Southeast 5-10 mph
Chance Of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 78° – 84°

FRIDAY:
Partly Sunny
A Bit Humid
Staying Dry
Wind: Southeast 5-10 mph
Chance Of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 78° – 84°

Sunrise 6:46 Sunset 7:23
Average High: 83° Average Low: 66°

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

This live blog has ended.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby hit the Washington, D.C., area with heavy rain, flooding and a risk of tornadoes.

Most severe weather threats of the storm ended by Friday afternoon, but Storm Team4 said there’s still the potential for spots of heavy rain through the evening. However, the risks for more flooding or tornado watches are over.

LIST: See all weather alerts here.

The D.C. area is getting ready for Tropical Storm Debby as it continues its crawl up the East Coast.

A foot of rain has already fallen in some places down South, flooding streets and homes in Georgia and South Carolina.

While the storm will be far less severe for the D.C. region, there’s still the potential for flooding.

Here’s what we know so far about the storm’s timing, how much rainfall to expect and what the region is doing to prepare.

When is Debby expected to reach the D.C. area?

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper said the heaviest rainfall will move through from Thursday night into Friday. Most rain will move out by late Friday night.

How much rain will the D.C. area get from Tropical Storm Debby?

Overall, Draper said Debby will be good for the region, bringing 2 to 4 total inches of rain.

“In our area, this is needed rain. Certainly, there could be some isolated flooding but nothing like what they’re seeing down into parts of the Carolinas,” Draper said.

Future weather models show the Shenandoah Valley taking the brunt of the storm at times.

“While this might look a little ominous, for the Shenandoah Valley … this is the best news as they cope with the worst drought they’ve seen there in decades,” Draper said.

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What are the main concerns for the D.C. area?

Isolated flooding and some tidal flooding are possible, especially in areas like Alexandria, Virginia, that are prone to flooding.

Storm Team4 expects most of the D.C. area will be under a flood watch at some point.

As of Thursday morning, a flood watch was issued for areas west of D.C., including parts of Loudoun and Fauquier counties in Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland. Here’s a full list of weather alerts.

There’s also a low tornado risk, mainly on Friday, Draper said.

Draper said, however, that winds are not a big concern with this storm as gusts are expected to reach up to 25 miles an hour.

What is the DC area doing to prepare for Debby?

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a State of Preparedness declaration Tuesday in preparation for any potential inland and tidal flooding.

In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency to easily free up resources for any areas that might be hit hard by flooding.

The city of Alexandria urged residents to prepare ahead of the storm and crews handed out sandbags to homeowners and businesses on Wednesday.

How can I prepare for Tropical Storm Debby?

• Make sure storm drains and gutters are clear
• Secure outdoor items such as trash cans and lawn chairs that could get knocked down or blown away
• Keep cell phones, tablets and laptops charged and have backup charging devices ready
• Have household and food supplies on hand, including medications and pet food
• Make sure cars are serviced and have a full tank of gas
• Have a family emergency plan in place in case of severe flooding, and for potential future emergencies

If you feel like feel like some spots around the D.C. area are hotter than others, you’re not alone — and you’re not wrong. It’s a real effect, and there’s a scientific reason behind it.

Those hot spots are known as heat islands, a “phenomenon generated when urban centers experience higher temperatures than the suburbs or surrounding areas both during the day and at night,” StormTeam 4 meteorologist Joseph Martínez explains.

Asphalt and concrete absorb heat, which causes an increase in temperatures.

“This is because, in cities, there are more buildings, more roads, more concrete structures, and these materials absorb heat and more solar radiation compared to green areas that absorb less heat,” Martínez told us.

That’s why temperatures can be higher in urban centers during the afternoon and even at night.

“These materials store heat and release it at night,” Martínez said.

Where are the worst heat islands in D.C.?

The nonprofit Climate Central released a report last month in which scientists analyzed “how and where urban heat islands increase temperatures in 65 major US cities,” including Washington, D.C.

An interactive map on their website shows that downtown D.C. is up to 10 degrees warmer than average due to the urban heat island effect. That also includes Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill.

Northern neighborhoods of the District, such as Woodley Park and Brightwood, generally have more trees and other vegetation. But the urban heat island effect lingers in those areas, too, where temperatures can still feel up to 7 degrees warmer than average for the greater region.

Washington DC Urban Heat Hot Spots

Urban heat island intensity (°F) by census block group.

Source: Climate Central analysis based on Sangiorgio (2020) and Demuzere (2020).

Meanwhile, many areas of Northern Virginia and Maryland have milder conditions because there’s more vegetation there, as does Rock Creek Park in the District.

“Areas near Rock Creek are cooler due to the proximity to a green, more natural area, compared to other areas with more urban development,” Martínez said.

2024 is the hottest summer on record

Last month, D.C. area sizzled under the most intense spell of heat on record, an unprecedented event, according to Martínez. Areas reported a heat index above 110 degrees.

“The heat wave that affected us recently was historic since, for the first time in history, four consecutive days above 100 degrees were recorded,” he said.

And heat plus high humidity is back again Thursday, leading the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for the D.C. metro area and most of the I-95 corridor. Thursday’s heat index could reach 105°. 

It’s possible Debby could bring heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and storm surge to Virginia, according to Youngkin’s office.

Storm Team4 says the storm could affect the Washington, D.C., area between Thursday night and Saturday morning, but keep an eye on the forecast as we learn more about the storm’s track.

Prolonged downpours and flooding hammered the southeastern United States on Tuesday, and Debby was expected to hover over the Atlantic Ocean for the next few days before boomeranging back onto the mainland, the Associated Press reported.

Alexandria, Virginia, residents and businesses can get up to five free sandbags on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at three locations.

The Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC) is actively monitoring the storm and anticipates it could move into Virginia as early as Wednesday evening.

Youngkin’s office said the state of emergency allows the Commonwealth to mobilize resources and equipment in case response and recovery efforts are needed.

“As we prepare for Tropical Storm Debby, I urge all Virginians and visitors to stay informed, follow local emergency guidelines, and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their families and communities,” Youngkin said in a news release.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper expects the D.C. area will get about 2 to 4 inches of rainfall once Debby moves north. Most of the moisture from the storm will hit the region Thursday into Friday, she said Tuesday afternoon.

Go here for Storm Team4’s latest forecast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Thunderstorms that brought heavy downpours of rain and strong winds — prompting warnings for the D.C. area Wednesday afternoon — have moved to the east. Isolated showers are possible, but the severe weather threat is over.

The rain offered relief after the region sizzled on its fourth 100° day in a row. Wednesday’s feels-like temp soared to a scorching 104°.

Extreme heat grips DC area

On Wednesday afternoon, D.C. recorded its fourth consecutive day with temperatures at or above 100°, tying a record for its hottest streak ever.

These past few weeks have been nearly unbearable, but the end is in sight. The average temperature in D.C. over the last 30 days has been 84.4°. That’s the hottest on record over the time period and 1.5° hotter than second place, which occurred in 2012.

Wednesday night’s rain cooled down the air, and Thursday’s high should feel more average for this time of year, about 90°. Highs expected Friday and Saturday should be about 88°.

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Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

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How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

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You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Those most vulnerable to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too. When the air quality is poor, experts advise staying inside, especially during strenuous activity like exercise.

Here’s how to check the air quality today in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, plus tips on staying safe.

What’s the air quality where I live today?

You can check the air quality in your part of the D.C. area using the interactive map below.

The data in the map refreshes itself daily.

For hourly updates based on zip code or city, you can also go to AirNow.gov.

What do the different air quality codes mean?

The Environmental Protection Agency monitors how polluted or clear the air is with the Air Quality Index, or AQI. The scale runs from 0 to 500, and the higher the AQI, the more pollution there is in the air.

Each range on the AQI is given a color. Green is the zero to 50 part of the range, and qualifies as “Good” air quality; yellow is 51 to 100, and qualifies as “Moderate” air.

Code orange ranges from 101 to 150, and means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children and elderly adults, or people with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions.

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A code red, which ranges from 151 to 200, is unhealthy for everyone.

Code purple means everyone is at greater risk of health impacts. Once you get to maroon, which is 301 and higher, the effects on everyone’s health reach emergency levels, and people are more likely to be sickened.

See the chart below for the full range of the AQI.

How could bad air quality affect my health?

The effects of air pollution on the human body vary based on factors including the type of pollution, the length of exposure, health care access and individual health, according to the American Lung Association.

Short-term exposure to air pollution is linked to reduced lung function, asthma, cardiac problems, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

Over the long term, pollution is linked to serious diseases including cancer, lung disease and heart disease, the NIEHS said.

How can I stay safe during air quality alerts?

The best way to protect yourself from the negative health effects of wildfire smoke is to avoid breathing it in – which means staying inside as much as possible.

When air quality is poor, for example, it’s a good idea to hit the gym instead if you typically work out outside. Air quality alert days are also not the best times to bring your kids to the park or the pool, especially if they have allergies, asthma, or chronic health issues.

Pets should also stay inside when the air is unhealthy.

“Other mammals, they suffer from many of the same lung conditions that humans do,” Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at the Allergy & Asthma Network, told NBC News.

If the air quality reaches code red or code purple levels, it’s a good idea to use the “recirculate” air button in your car, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said.

“This keeps the outside air OUT and keeps sending the inside air through the filters,” he said.

If you need extra protection from smoky conditions, the Centers for Disease Control recommends finding a room you can seal off from outside air. Consider a portable air cleaner or a filter to keep that room clean.

There are ways to create an air filter yourself using a box fan and furnace filters you can purchase at most grocery stores.

Respirators, like N95s, can help reduce your smoke exposure if you have to be outside in poor air quality conditions, according to the CDC.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) suggests trying to cut your own contribution to pollutants during poor air quality days. Its suggestions are:

• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
• Fill your vehicles’ gas tank after sunset.
• Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

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This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

As Tropical Storm Debby bears down on the East Coast, the storm’s remnants bring heavy rain and possibly flooding to the D.C. area. What’s left of Debby will have the greatest effects through Friday morning. Be prepared for downpours, potential flooding and a small risk of tornadoes.

A tornado watch is in effect until 7 a.m. for D.C. and several counties in Maryland: Montgomery, Prince George’s, Washington and St. Mary’s. There’s also a flood warning in effect until 11:15 a.m. (See more details and other weather alerts below.)

Prince George’s County handed out sandbags to residents Thursday, a day after Alexandria did the same. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management said it’s enhanced its emergency preparations stance, and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency to mobilize equipment and resources.

Tornado watch issued for the DC area until Friday at 7 a.m.

A tornado watch is in effect until 7 a.m. for D.C.; several counties in Maryland — Montgomery, Prince George’s, Washington and St. Mary’s — and in Northern Virginia for the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Manassas, Manassas Park and Falls Church, plus the counties of Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford.

A tornado warning was in effect in Northern Virginia in Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Frederick County and Central Clake County until 10:15 p.m. on Thursday.

In Maryland, a tornado warning was issued for central Montgomery County until 6 p.m. Thursday, and early Friday, one was issued for Charles County, Maryland, but was cancelled about 5 a.m.

Flood watch issued in Maryland and Virginia

Keep an umbrella handy Thursday. Steady rain was already falling as of midday in D.C. More rain is expected to pick up overnight, and the worst downpours are expected Friday morning.

Heavy rain could quickly lead to flash and urban flooding, especially in areas prone to flooding like Alexandria, Virginia. Make sure your gutters and storm drains are clear.

Flood watches have been issued for some areas west of the District. Frederick, Maryland, and parts of Northern Virginia, including western Loudoun County and northern Fauquier County, will be under a flood watch from Thursday evening to Friday evening, the National Weather Service said.

Go here to see all weather alerts.

Storm Team4 says areas closer to the D.C. metro area could get flood watches as well. However, the rain is needed after D.C.’s dry summer.

“In our area, this is needed rain. Certainly, there could be some isolated flooding but nothing like what they’re seeing down into parts of the Carolinas,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper said.

Weather Radar

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

There’s a “non-zero chance” for tornadoes as the remnants of the tropical storm near the D.C. area. Keep an eye out for tornado watches and warnings, and make a plan in case severe weather hits your neighborhood.

The rough weather could impact any travel plans.

Heavy rain and potential floods could slow drivers Thursday night and into Friday. Never drive into a flooded road. Remember: Turn around, don’t down.

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Wind restrictions are possible on the Bay Bridge. This storm could also have ripple effects on air travel, so check with your airline before heading to the airport.

The good news? This storm won’t last too long. By Saturday, sunshine is expected to return, along with breezy conditions and highs in the 80s.

How can I prepare for Tropical Storm Debby?

• Make sure storm drains and gutters are clear
• Secure outdoor items such as trash cans and lawn chairs that could get knocked down or blown away
• Keep phones, tablets and laptops charged and have backup charging devices ready
• Have household and food supplies on hand, including medications and pet food
• Make sure cars are serviced and have a full tank of gas
• Have a family emergency plan in place in case of severe flooding and for potential future emergencies

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

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You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia. Storms have the potential to be strong to severe with downpours and gusty winds up to 60 mph.

D.C. hit a record-high temperature of 102° on Monday – and it felt like 106° in the afternoon, according to Storm Team4.The last time the region was this hot was July 8, 2012.

If the region hits 101° or hotter tomorrow, it will be three consecutive days at above 101°. This has only happened once before in 1930.

An excessive heat warning was issued for D.C. and parts of Maryland and Virginia, including Prince George’s, Montgomery, Arlington and Fairfax counties. The heat warning will continue through Wednesday, with possible isolated storms Tuesday night and strong to severe storms Wednesday night. Go here to see all weather alerts.

Make sure to practice heat safety and know the signs of heat-related illness. Cooling centers are available in D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

There is also an air quality alert in parts of Maryland, including Prince George’s, Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties. Suburban D.C. is expected to see code yellow air quality on Monday so people sensitive to air quality should take extra precautions. Children, the elderly, those with respiratory issues and other vulnerable populations should not spend a lot of time outdoors. You can check your local air quality on Airnow.gov.

Weather Radar

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

Excessive heat throughout midweek

The heat is expected to peak in intensity on Tuesday. Brace for temps just above 100 degrees with feels-like temperatures up to 111 degrees.

More rain is expected on Wednesday, but the good news is that cooler air will come in behind the rain.

You can plan on a little relief from the heat starting Thursday. Then, highs are expected to max out in the upper 80s through Sunday.

That cooldown won’t last long: Expect to face heat advisories or excessive heat warnings again next week.

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Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Everyone is vulnerable to heat-related illnesses but particularly the elderly, children, people who work outside and pets, according to the Prince George’s County Health Department.

If you know someone who needs help, local governments offer resources for people who need relief from heat. Here are links to pages that list cooling centers and other helpful information:

• D.C.
• Maryland: Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Frederick
• Virginia: Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William County.

NBC4 Washington asked a doctor to explain the signs of heat-related illness and how to protect yourself.

What are the types of heat-related illnesses and signs to watch out for?

Dr. Rachel Marquez, with Kaiser Permanente, said the signs to look out for include developing muscle cramps, nausea, light headaches and fatigue or dizziness.

Heat-related illnesses including heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps may occur with long exposure to heat without relief or hydration, according to Johns Hopkins.

A heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and a life-threatening emergency, according to Johns Hopkins. It occurs rapidly when a person’s body is unable to properly cool down and can damage the brain and organs. Symptoms include red and dry skin, disorientation, delirium and nausea. If you think someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911.

Heat exhaustion is less severe, but can turn into heat stroke if not taken seriously. Symptoms include muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and passing out.

If someone is suffering from either heat illness, you can help them by moving them to a cool, dry place, removing excess clothing, trying to cool them down with a fan or cool cloths and offering them a cool drink (a sports drink containing salt and sugar is recommended for cramps and exhaustion.)

Heat exhaustion “can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids,” the Prince George’s County Health Department said.

How can you prevent heat-related illness?

The key is hydration. If exercising, Dr. Marquez recommends drinking water before, during and after.

She said to take extra precautions during high heat periods of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which can put individuals at an increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses. D.C. often sees some of its hottest temperatures after 4 p.m.

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“One thing that you should remember about heat-related illness is that it can be cumulative,” she said. “So, even if you’re outside, you’re exercising, you’re feeling pretty good and you come inside and you can be very commonly feel run down and the heat-related illness can then affect you after that, so it’s really important to try and stay on top of hydration.”

See below for more tips from the Prince George’s County Health Department:

• Stay hydrated
• Cool off in AC
• Wear lightweight clothes
• Use sunscreen
• Check on vulnerable individuals
• Never leave kids or pets in cars

Where can you find a cooling center?

Cooling centers are available in D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

In D.C., free transportation to cooling centers is available by calling 202-399-7093 or 311; find other D.C. resources here.

Arlington County is offering shelters and resources during the heat wave. Financial assistance with air conditioning repairs is available by calling 703-228-1350. Shelter for homeless individuals is available by calling 703-228-1010. Find more information here.

Find cooling centers in Alexandria here.

Montgomery County has issued a heat emergency alert starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, lasting until 9 p.m. Saturday; find resources for the county here.

Find cooling centers in Prince George’s County here.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

As a tornado left a trail of destruction from Poolesville to Gaithersburg, many residents received national alerts on their phones while some received notifications from Alert Montgomery.

But some say they didn’t get them.

“We’re not aware of anyone, at this point, who had an actual problem with their alerts. That’s not to say someone didn’t,” said Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Earl Stoddard.

He said the alerts are highly focused to areas that are impacted, which is determined in coordination with the National Weather Service.

“All of these alerts for tornado warnings are dictated by the National Weather Service polygons,” Stoddard said. “So, they tell us where the alert is. They send the information over to us, and it automatically goes, meaning we do no interpretation, no manipulation of the data. It’s an automatic feed to allow for expedited release.”

He said the county hasn’t found a problem with the system but will look into concerns if someone didn’t get an alert and believes they should have.

“So, I’ve had about a dozen people reach out to me personally, and in a couple of cases we haven’t had enough information to really figure out what happened with them, but inevitably I think the most common thing is that people were outside the alert zone and they believe they should have been inside the alert zone

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They will work with the National Weather Service to make sure the system works as it should.

“If people were supposed to get alerts and they didn’t, that’s an error that we need to fix either with ourselves or with National Weather Service, but right now, so far, the users that we’ve gotten — and we’ve provided feedback to every person that we’ve been able to confirm — all we’ve talked to were outside the alerting zone,” Stoddard said.

To get notifications from Montgomery County, residents must register with their address.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

At least two tornadoes touched down in Montgomery County on Wednesday, likely causing millions of dollars worth of damage, said Earl Stoddard, director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security.

At least five people were injured but no deaths were reported.

Martin Perez was at home in Gaithersburg with his wife, daughter and two friends when a tornado struck and high winds toppled a tree onto his home, splitting it in two. They all were rescued and were taken to the hospital.

“To see my daughter screaming, to see your family members scared, you’re scared too. I was very afraid,” Perez said Thursday, after he was released from the hospital.

“I’m devastated to see my family suffering, to see my property and my house damaged,” he said.

Two or three tornadoes hit in that area of Montgomery County, with winds high as 105 mph, the National Weather Service said.

Trey Simmons and his little brother surveyed the storm damage on Thursday. A huge tree fell in their backyard and their trampoline was missing.

“I like to do fun flips in it, but it will not let me do fun flips anymore, because the tornado fell it away,” the little boy said.

Their great-grandmother said she had never seen anything like it.

“In 93 years, I’ve never experienced this. That’s amazing, isn’t it?” she said.

The property damage is extensive but Stoddard said he’s thankful no one was killed.

“We got incredibly lucky in Montgomery County with two different tornadoes coming during the peak of rush hour,” Stoddard said. “People home, having dinner in their homes.”

A framed picture could be seen through the torn wall of a home on Thursday morning.

About nine areas received damage “likely caused by tornadoes,” the National Weather Service said in an update Thursday, citing data, photos and videos. Those areas include Gaithersburg, Poolesville, Brookeville, Olney and Arbutus.

The National Weather Service is set to investigate the damage and release more information. They are investigating at least 15 potential tornadoes across Maryland, Stoddard said.

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Reopening roads, cleaning up wires and trees and assisting families whose homes were destroyed are among the top priorities in the cleanup effort, Stoddard said.

‘Nature could happen anytime, anywhere’

As residents of Gaithersburg clean up storm damage, some told News4 they will take storm warnings more seriously next time.

“No matter where you live, nature could happen anytime, anywhere,” one man said.

Down the street, a neighbor echoed the sentiment.

“This was a big wake-up call. It was scary,” she said. “The wind was howling. It sounded like we had a freight train coming through the house. I felt like we were Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ I felt like the house was going to take off.”

“Listen to when they say tornado warning,” she added. “This was the real McCoy and it was very frightening.”

Be cautious when cleaning up, Stoddard told residents, especially while using ladders.

If you see any wires, call officials. Touching a live wire could be fatal.

More severe weather is possible on Thursday. The risk of tornadoes is lower than it was on Wednesday, but rresidents should remain weather alert.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

It also could be an active season for hurricanes, though conditions could keep them mostly off the coast.

What to know about hurricanes for summer 2024

We’re coming out of El Niño and moving toward La Niña, which helps create hurricanes. And a warmer-than-average Atlantic Ocean could mean more intense hurricanes.

But the Bermuda High — high pressure centered near Bermuda during the summer months — will be further east this summer, which won’t allow the heat to come up from areas such as the Gulf of Mexico. That bodes well for the development of hurricanes. They may occur in the Gulf of Mexico, but storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean may stay out to sea.

The jet stream pattern will move up into Canada before coming down across the D.C. region, creating a trough of low pressure along the East Coast, which should also help keep any hurricanes out to sea.

Expect an above-average storm season, with 16 to 21 named storms (the average is 14) and nine to 11 hurricanes (there’s usually five to seven), with three to five major hurricanes that should stay off the coast.

But in late August, look for the potential of a hurricane which could make its way up the East Coast, hopefully staying just offshore.

What to know about heat & humidity for summer 2024

The jet stream pattern also means the D.C. area shouldn’t see a lot of intense heat. Expect about 38 to 46 days of 90° temps (the average is 45) but no 100° days.

But a more humid season will mean heat indexes rising above 100°.

Rather than hunting last-minute online or frantically messaging your group chat for spare solar eclipse glasses, you can plan ahead for Monday, April 8, like a pro eclipse chaser.

What will the solar eclipse look like in D.C., Maryland and Virginia? The moon is expected to cover the sun at about 87% at maximum eclipse in the D.C. area at about 3:20 p.m. But without the special glasses, not much will be visible, according to Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper.

“It’s not really going to change here; we could have some shadows. But for the most part, it’s going to be unnoticeable. That’s right, unnoticeable unless you have those special glasses,” Draper said.

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You could risk a severe eye injury if you view an eclipse without special glasses or a handheld solar viewer, according to NASA. The concentrated solar rays will be so strong that they can burn the inside of your eyeball, just like a sunburn an optometrist told CNBC. Ouch!

Be careful to avoid purchasing eclipse glasses online to avoid fakes and counterfeits. The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of reputable solar eclipse glasses that have UV-blocking filters. They advise against searching for the glasses on Amazon, eBay or Temu.

“Staring at a partial solar eclipse for more than a few seconds at a time, even through perfectly safe solar viewers, isn’t much fun anyway,” the American Astronomical Society said in a warning about counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses.

What about regular sunglasses? Safe solar glasses are “at least 1,000 times darker” than regular sunglasses, the society said.

It’s also recommended to wear eye protection for the entirety of a partial solar eclipse.

Here’s where to find solar eclipse glasses in D.C. Maryland and Virginia:

Where to find solar eclipse glasses in DC

DC Public Library: Starting April 1, D.C. residents can pick up eclipse glasses at their local library branch. The free eclipse glasses are available while supplies last until April 8. 

 “Get your solar shades on!” @dcpl wrote on X. 

National Air and Space Museum, National Mall: The museum will offer free eclipse glasses on the first floor left of the museum store until Sunday, April 7. Distribution times are noon to 4 p.m. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the museum.

There will be no eclipse glass hoarding here. “One pair of glasses per family or individual,” according to the museum’s website. The museum’s store will also have eclipse glasses available for purchase.

Smithsonian Museums, National Mall: If free glasses run out, the following museums will have three pairs of solar eclipse glasses for $6: the National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum and Hirshhorn Museum.

The above map shows libraries participating in the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program that may have free eclipse glasses.

Where to find solar eclipse glasses in Virginia

Arlington County Central Library, Arlington: Pick up solar eclipse glasses during the “Solar Eclipse Extravaganza” on Saturday, April 6. Attendees will learn about NASA’s Eclipse Soundscapes and craft their own Eclipse Pinhole Viewer.

David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington: Snag free eclipse glasses before “Lights Out! Eclipses: Whys, Wonders and Wows” on April 6 and 7. The kid-friendly show will explore the fascinating science stories and wonderous changes that occur during eclipses.

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly: Between noon to 4 p.m., free solar eclipse glasses will be available across from the John F. Plueger Family Welcome Center. The museum’s store will also have them available for purchase.

Virginia State Parks, various locations: Solar-viewing glasses will be sold for $1 plus tax at all 42 state parks in the state.

Where to find solar eclipse glasses in Maryland

Warby Parker, various locations: The eyeglass store is helping customers see the solar eclipse by offering free and ISO-certified eclipse glasses at all stores. Find a location here.

College Park Aviation Museum: During the eclipse viewing event on Monday, the museum will hand out eclipse glasses as long as supplies last. The event and glasses are free.

Montgomery County Public Library: Several libraries will host events and give out free glasses. To find an eyewear giveaway near you, search “eclipse” then select relevant dates on the events calendar webpage.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

More into DIY projects? Here’s how to make a box pinhole protector at home.

This article will be updated with additional places to find solar eclipse glasses.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

One to 2.5 inches or more is expected to fall across the D.C. area. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch. You can see all severe weather alerts here.

“We are expecting widespread showers for a good chunk of the day,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Jessica Faith said.

The rain mostly affects any plans for Saturday morning and early afternoon. The Wharf rescheduled their Bloomaroo spring festival to Saturday, March 30 because of the forecast. National Landing’s Pink in the Park has been postponed, as well.

Rain timing

Rain moved in late Friday from the south. The most widespread showers fell on Saturday morning.

Storm Team4’s radar showed many areas with heavy rain between 7 and 11 a.m.

Rain is expected to decrease in coverage and intensity later in the afternoon. The rain will begin to move out in the evening.

“If you want to make any plans for Saturday, the later the better — especially after sunset,” Faith said.

So, your dinner plans should be fine. Keep an umbrella on hand for any lingering wet weather.

This forecast has a silver lining if you’ve been waiting to see the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin. The cool weather is helping the delicate flowers hang on, and it will likely still be worth visiting the blooms on Sunday.

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Flood watch issued

A flood watch is in effect from Friday night to Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service said. The flood watch covers much of the D.C. area, including:

• Washington, D.C.
• Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland
• Arlington County, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William County, in Northern Virginia

Watch out for excessive water in flood-prone locations including near rivers and in areas with poor drainage.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

A red flag warning was in effect in Virginia for weather conditions that officials warned could lead to the rapid spread of fire. Temperatures were in the 60s on the fourth day of peak bloom as strong wind gusts stirred up petals and dust.

“Forest/brush fires, WEST of #DC currently spreading smoke across the metro as winds gust. Air quality is down and you’ll smell the smoke,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Ryan Miller wrote on X. 

The largest brush fire was west of D.C., in Page County, Virginia. The county declared an emergency and closed all schools Thursday. Luray High School was used as an evacuation shelter. 

Photos show bright orange and red flames cresting over the mountains in Luray.

In D.C., at least three acres of Rock Creek Park near the Carter Barron Amphitheatre burned, D.C. Fire and Emergency Services said. Firefighters had to pull down a fence to access the flames. 

No homes were damaged, and no injuries were reported, officials said. 

In Prince William County, Virginia, at least 39 brush fires were reported. The majority were small. No injuries or damage was reported, officials said.

The “Satellite Thermal Hotspots and Fire Activity” map was created by Storm Team4’s Ryan Miller with ArcGIS Experience Builder.

In Montgomery County, Maryland, there was a small brush fire spanning about 1.5 acres near Great Seneca Creek overnight Wednesday, fire officials said. Firefighters used floating pumps and water from a nearby creek to extinguish the flames.

At about 9 p.m., firefighters responded to a brush fire in Oakview, Maryland. The fire was on a trail on Oak View Drive and could be seen from the Beltway. 

“If you see smoke from a remote area, call the fire department. It’s likely a brush fire. But again, the conditions are very favorable — low humidity, breezy, windy conditions where it’s rapid spread of the fire,” Pete Piringer, a Montgomery County Fire spokesperson, said Wednesday. 

The red flag warning expired Wednesday evening, but Thursday remains dry with strong Northwest winds, according to Storm Team4.

“Winds continue to diminish today with dry high pressure overhead. An elevated fire danger looks to continue given the very dry air & NW winds gusting 15-25 mph,” the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington said on X.

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This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The cherry trees at the tidal basin have reached their puffy white stage.

“The blossoms are out, now we’re just waiting for them to open,” the National Park Service said Friday.

You can see the cherry blossoms on the Trust for the National Mall’s Bloom Cam.

It’s been just under two weeks since blossom watch began with the first stage on Saturday, March 2, when green buds appeared.

Warm temperatures helped push the cherry blossoms from their peduncle elongation stage to puffy white in about three days.

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Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are open. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

Peak bloom usually comes two to five days after puffy white begins, according to National Park Service data.

This weekend’s cooldown could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. But Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper says it’s not supposed to get cold enough to harm many of the flowers.

Most blossoms can withstand temperatures as low as 27°, Draper said.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather will determine the timeline for peak bloom.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projected peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service estimated projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was declared on March 23.

While we were running a little behind schedule, warm temperatures helped the blossoms grow.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

This year’s May-like temps in March are quickly pushing the Tidal Basin trees towards peak bloom. The trees reached the first phase of their blooming cycle on the first weekend of March.

The cherry blossoms go through six phases on the way to peak bloom or when 70% of the Yoshino blossoms are flowering. Storm Team4’s predicts the trees will reach peak bloom between March 21 and 26. Last year, peak bloom was March 23. 

The National Park Service is already working to address rising water and flooding. They recently announced that 159 cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park will be cut down for seawall repairs.  

Here’s more on how climate change will impact peak bloom in the future:

Is the changing climate impacting peak bloom?

Yes, the changing climate is making D.C.’s cherry blossoms reach peak bloom earlier.

When did the cherry blossoms used to reach peak bloom?

From 1931 to 1960, the average peak bloom was around April 6. From 1981 to 2010, the average peak bloom was five days sooner around April 1. 

How does the changing climate impact peak bloom?

Storm Team4 looked at peak bloom dates over the last twenty years to reveal recent trends. According to historical data, peak bloom favors the last week of March. It fell on this date eight of the 20 years. 

Peak bloom has occurred even earlier in the third week of March in four of the last twenty years. 

How often has peak bloom been in April?

In the last 20 years, several peak blooms have occurred in April. The cherry blossoms reached peak bloom in the first week of April four times and the second week of April four times.

With the area warming, when will peak bloom occur in the future? 

Climate Central projects that by 2070 peak bloom could be as early as the first week of March. 

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As the National Park Service said: “It’s the #BloomWatch community’s favorite announcement: we have Peduncle Elongation – the 4th of 6 stages on the path to peak bloom.”

This means the blossoms are now two-thirds of the way toward peak bloom, just 10 days after they entered phase 1 on Saturday, March 2.

The next — and decidedly non-scientific-sounding — phase is called puffy white.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projected peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service estimated projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

However, we can’t help but notice that things are going VERY fast this year.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

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“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was declared on March 23.

While we were running a little behind schedule, Kammerer said, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

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“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said at the end of February. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cooldown in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

D.C.’s cherry trees along the Tidal Basin have reached florets extended, the NPS said Friday afternoon — the third of six stages as they move toward peak bloom later this month.

“Oh, we’re halfway there!” the NPS said in a statement on social media. “The cherry blossoms have reached florets extended, the 3rd of 6 stages.”

The blossoms reached stage one, green bud, less than a week ago on Saturday, March 2, and hit stage two, florets visible, on Tuesday.

The next stage is everyone’s favorite when it comes to joke material — peduncle elongation.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 8

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7 cherry blossom activities to try while we wait for flowers to pop

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

D.C.’s cherry trees along the Tidal Basin have reached florets visible, the National Park Service said Tuesday morning. This means the beloved trees have reached the second of six stages as they move toward peak bloom this month.

“The cherry blossoms have progressed to florets visible, the 2nd of 6 stages. Depending on the weather, peak bloom should be around 3 weeks away!” the Park Service said in a social media post.

The blossoms reached stage one, green bud, on Saturday, March 2.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

Cherry Blossoms Feb 29

When will DC's cherry blossoms reach peak bloom? Storm Team4 and National Park Service reveal predictions

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

Cherry blossom events to celebrate until peak bloom arrives

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

It's almost cherry blossom season. Will Stumpy bloom again this year?

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

D.C.’s cherry trees along the Tidal Basin have green buds, the National Park Service said Saturday morning. This means the beloved trees have reached the first of six stages as they move toward peak bloom this month.

“Small green buds are appearing on the Yoshino cherry trees, marking the 1st of 6 stages on the way to peak bloom,” the Park Service said in a social media post with a photo of raindrops on a branch.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

Cherry Blossoms Feb 29

When will DC's cherry blossoms reach peak bloom? Storm Team4 and National Park Service reveal predictions

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

Cherry blossom events to celebrate until peak bloom arrives

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

It's almost cherry blossom season. Will Stumpy bloom again this year?

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The cherry blossoms entered the first phase of their blooming cycle on the first weekend of March. Weather patterns give us clues about when flowers will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green beds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23. But we don’t have those green buds yet for 2024.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

School districts in Virginia and Maryland announced school closures and delays ahead of the snowfall, which turned out to be our most significant accumulation in about two years. Storm Team4 issued a Weather Alert.

Here’s a full list of closures and delays, including colleges, charter schools, private schools and government offices.

Federal offices in the DC area are closed.

The Office of Personnel Management closed federal offices in the D.C. area. Maximum telework is in effect. Here’s the OPM’s full operating status notice.

DC Public Schools are closed Tuesday.

Several charter schools are closed as well, including KIPP DC and Friendship Public Charter Schools.

In Virginia, the following districts are closed Tuesday:

• Alexandria City Public Schools
• Arlington Public Schools
• Culpeper County Public Schools
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Falls Church City Public Schools
• Fauquier County Public Schools
• Frederick County Public Schools
• Fredericksburg City Schools
• Loudoun County Public Schools
• Manassas City Public Schools
• Manassas Park City Schools
• Page County Public Schools
• Prince William County Public Schools
• Orange County Public Schools
• Shenandoah County Public Schools
• Stafford County Public Schools
• Warren County Public Schools

Winchester City Public Schools opened with a two-hour delay.

In Maryland, the following districts are closed Tuesday:

• Anne Arundel County Schools
• Montgomery County Public Schools
• Prince George’s County Public Schools

Public schools in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties opened with a two-hour delay. Frederick County Public Schools already had students scheduled for a day off; staff had a two-hour delay.

Metrobus

Metrobus is operating under its severe snow plan, and only about 40 bus routes are running. Here are more details.

“Customers should allow additional travel time and use caution on sidewalks and at bus stops,” WMATA said. “Bus customers are also encouraged to consider using Metrorail as an alternative, as no weather-related impacts to rail service are anticipated at this time.”

Other closures

The National Zoo announced it would not open on Tuesday due to the hazardous weather conditions. Other Smithsonian museums in D.C. area also closed.

weather Jan 16

DC's snow drought is over! Most spots around the region get several inches

The closures come after drivers faced slick conditions in parts of the region Monday, following the first burst of snow.

A driver hit a D.C. EMS vehicle head-on along Rock Creek Parkway, and a dump truck overturned on DC-295 in Southeast D.C. In Virginia, up to 50 cars were stopped and multiple crashes were reported at Old Keene Mill Road and Westmore Drive in Springfield during icy conditions. In Maryland, East-West Highway was blocked at Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase after a number of collisions. At least one injury was reported.

What to know about Tuesday’s forecast

Storm Team4 says the worst of the impacts on Tuesday would be:

• icy roads in the morning
• reduced visibility, particularly before sunrise when the snow is still falling
• strong winds, with gusts about 20 mph
• dangerous cold, with windchills in the 20s throughout the day
• temperatures will be well below average for the rest of the week

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast.

News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up to get breaking news alerts in your inbox.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

In Leesburg, all of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s preparation kept the roads passable, even when the temperatures dipped below freezing. By noon on Saturday, light, wet snow had started to fall. Places toward the west like Winchester got a bit more, but treated roads were fine.

And if you were really into snow, you did have to travel a bit to get some. About halfway between Leesburg and Winchester, at the foot of the aptly named Mount Weather in Bluemont, there was just enough snow to make things postcard picturesque. 

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“I’ve been wanting to go over Mount Weather for a little while, and I just got impatient,” cyclist Alex Scheets said. 

So he asked good friend Brian Garcia to come along.

“I was like, you wanna do this with me? And he was like, ‘I’ll do it! I’m down! Let’s go!’” Scheets said. “That’s kind of what I had in mind when I was picturing the ride. In my head I was like, I want it to be snowing like this.”

Though they were fully aware of the forecast and didn’t let it stop them, by the time they ridden 23.5 miles to the front porch of the Bluemont Welcome Center, they’d seen enough. 

“Turning around and going back we’ll have to do the same distance, so we got our distance in. I think for safety’s sake we’re gonna avoid going any higher in elevation,” Sheets said. 

Early on, there wasn’t enough snow to shovel, and what was on cars the wipers could handle. So snow-lovers in the DMV will have to wait, like the cyclists headed back the way they came will have to wait to go higher up the mountain.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Many residents of the D.C. area could see snowflakes this weekend — but cold rain in the forecast is washing out hopes for a winter wonderland near the Beltway.

Storm Team4 is tracking a winter storm expected throughout Saturday. Some snow is expected Saturday before it changes into all rain for much of the region. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 30s.

“We could see rain and snow coming down at a pretty good rate at times,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper said.

Areas to the north and west of the D.C. metro area will see the largest effects of the storm. Loudoun County, Virginia, public schools canceled on-campus activities and announced administrative officers would be closed Saturday.

Storm Team4 predicts:

• Little to no accumulation in the D.C. metro area
• 1-3 inches of snow north and west of D.C.
• 3 to 6 inches of snow and some ice in the I-81 corridor.

Here’s where snow and rain are expected

Red zone: Along the I-81 corridor and up to Frederick County, Maryland is where the storm will have the biggest impacts. Snow is expected to arrive in the morning and continue into the afternoon. Even in this zone, the storm will likely end with rain.

But there’s also the chance for some ice in these areas north and west of D.C., including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Hagerstown area.

Yellow Zone: Between Washington; most of Fairfax, Montgomery and Prince William counties and down through Stafford and Fauquier counties, expect a wintry mix.

“We’re looking at a mix of rain and snow changing over to all rain by the midday and afternoon hours” on Saturday, Draper said.

Green zone: In southern Maryland, central and southern Prince George’s County and up through Anne Arundel County, you’re dealing with mainly rain.

“Could you see a few snowflakes? Absolutely,” Draper said. “But this is just going to be, for the most part, a rainy chilly day for those of you east of I-95.”

Weather radar

Download the NBC Washington app on Apple and Android to use the weather radar on your mobile device.

Timing and snow totals

By 9 a.m. Saturday, we’ll likely have a wintry mix across the area, dropping mainly wet snow around D.C. and areas to the north.

About midday, the rain and snow line is set to be in play right along the I-95 corridor. But the D.C. area can expect a shift to mostly rain in the afternoon.

Rain will exit as we head into nighttime, but there could be a lingering shower or some lingering snow showers out there on Sunday.

We’re talking about a lot of moisture: Nearly an inch of precipitation could fall.

Unfortunately for snow lovers, most of this precipitation will be rain.

If this storm system was all snow, we’d be talking about nearly a foot of snow across the area. But surface temperatures will be too warm, among other factors.

Winter weather advisory issued for parts of Maryland and Virginia

A winter weather advisory will be in effect from Saturday morning through the evening in areas north and west of D.C., including:

• Culpeper County, Virginia
• Fairfax County, Virginia
• Fauquier County, Virginia
• Loudoun County, Virginia
• Prince William County, Virginia
• Spotsylvania County, Virginia
• Stafford County, Virginia
• Howard County, Maryland
• Montgomery County, Maryland

Roads could be slippery in these areas, the National Weather Service warned.

A winter storm watch was issued for the I-81 corridor, including Winchester and Luray.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said it’s important to stay weather alert during the sweletering heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors, especially if you’re doing strenuous activities.

Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s by about 1:30 p.m., and the heat index reached 103° in Washington, D.C.

There’s a very small chance for storms. Any storms that pop up during the day could turn severe because of the heat.

The good news? This sky-high heat will start to subside by Thursday, although humidity will stick around into Labor Day weekend.

Heat advisories in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia

A heat advisory has been issued for the afternoon and early evening in D.C., plus much of Maryland and Northern Virginia. The heat index could be at 105° or higher for several hours, Bell said.

Maryland counties under a heat advisory include Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s. In Virginia, heat advisories were issued for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties plus nearby cities.

See a full list of weather alerts here.

Air quality alerts

On top of the hot weather, there is poor air quality around the area.

A code orange air quality alert is in effect for D.C. and surrounding areas, which means members of sensitive groups should be extra careful.

Those vulnerable to to air pollution include people with chronic health issues, children and the elderly, but bad pollution can affect healthy people, too.

Air quality Aug 28

How bad is the air quality in the DC area? Enter your ZIP code on this map

Extreme Weather Aug 27

Wild week of US weather includes heat wave, tropical storm, landslide, flash flood and snow

You can check which air quality code was issued in your area and the best tips for staying safe here.

Try your best to limit time outside, reduce strenuous activities like exercise, shorten dog walks and stay hydrated.

School and other local schedule changes due to heat

School is back in session and many districts are grappling with the extreme heat by keeping students inside.

Arlington Public Schools announced that there will be no outdoor recess or other outdoor activities during school hours. After-school activities like athletics will move indoors.

Prince William County Public School announced that all outdoor activities must move inside or be canceled between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Vienna, Virginia, is starting its solid waste collection to begin one hour earlier. Residents are advised to place trash and recycling by the curb at 5 a.m.

Residents of College Park, Maryland should put their trash out earlier too. Solid waste collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

A driver in Montgomery County, Maryland, was rescued from a tree early Monday after getting swept away in high water, and more than 5,500 power outages were reported, officials said.

The driver was on Brighton Dam Road in the Brookeville area about 4:30 a.m. when their car got caught in high water. The driver left the vehicle and was swept downstream, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue said.

That person was holding onto a tree when rescuers arrived shortly after. Boats were sent to help, Montgomery County officials said. Two vehicles were seen in the water, officials said. No serious injuries were reported.

Remember: If you see water on a road, turn around, don’t drown.

Most of the D.C. area picked up 2 to 2.5 inches of rain, making this one of the biggest December rainfalls on record, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said.

Dulles International Airport clocked 2.27 inches of rain, its third-greatest rainfall total for a 24-hour period in December. Washington Reagan National Airport recorded 2.41 inches, and BWI-Marshall got 2.69 inches.

In Maryland, flooding closed lanes on Route 28 near Avery Road in Rockville and on River Road in Bethesda.

In the District, a huge tree was uprooted by strong winds overnight at Massachusetts Avenue and Upton Road NW. Crews were working to clear the tree from the roadway about 5:30 a.m. Another downed tree and wires also blocked lanes along outbound Canal Road NW. Rock Creek Parkway, Virginia Avenue NW and parts of Beach Drive were closed Monday morning because of flooding.

Storm Team4 declared Weather Alerts for Sunday and Monday. A flood watch was in effect Sunday evening for parts of D.C, Maryland and Virginia, and a flood warning continued through 7 a.m. Monday. A wind advisory is in effect Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in parts of D.C, Maryland and Virginia. Go here for all weather alerts.

Expect flooding, high winds Monday

Strong winds will be the biggest weather worry Monday as temperatures slowly drop. The heavy rain has come to an end, but the wind will turn to the northwest and continue gusting to near 40 mph all afternoon.

The weather alert continues Monday due to the high winds. Here’s the Storm Team4 forecast.

“If you are going to bring your umbrella, just know, make sure that it is reinforced, because the wind is really going to be quite an issue,” Bell said.

Bell told drivers to take extra time during their morning commutes due to high or standing water in flood-prone areas. Flood waters were expected to recede in the afternoon.

Power outages

About 2,200 Pepco customers in Chillum, Maryland, and 3,000 Dominion Energy customers in Fairfax, Virginia, were without power as of 5 a.m. You can check Pepco and Dominion Energy power outages online. BGE has not reported outages in the D.C. area.

Sunday storm and rainfall

Sunday began with a special weather statement, warning drivers to be careful on the road for dense fog that lasted into the late morning. Storm Team4 Meteorologist Clay Anderson said it was like pea soup.

Rain began after the fog cleared and gradually increased over the day. It picked up after sunset, and the flood watch went into effect at 6 p.m., Anderson said. Prime time for the heaviest rain and strong winds began Sunday at 4 p.m. and continued overnight before ending early Monday.

Despite it being mid-December, temperatures were on the warm side at about 50° overnight.

Most of the area picked up 2 to 2.5 inches of rain from the storm, Bell said. Some models hinted rainfall could total 3 inches – but that would have been highly unusual for December, Bell said.

Washington’s all-time record for daily rainfall in December is 3.1 inches.

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10-day forecast and Christmas travel outlook

Cold, dry weather will follow the storm and last through most of next week.

The early outlook for Christmas travel is good, with dry weather in the days leading up to the holiday. Christmas Eve is expected to have some sunshine and temps between 34 and 50 degrees.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Everything’s coming up sunshine for Friday and Saturday. Expect cold mornings, then high temperatures in the mid-50s. It’ll be great weather for seeing holiday lights or hitting up festive pop-up bars, even as a few clouds roll in on Saturday.

Save your Hallmark movie binge for Sunday, though! And make sure that storm drains, gutters and holiday decorations are ready for the heavy rain and strong winds.

As early as sunrise on Sunday, you may hear some raindrops. A couple of showers and sprinkles aren’t out of the question throughout the morning.

“We are in store for another real soaking of rain,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said.

Sunday rainfall totals and timing

The heaviest rain will be most likely between 4 p.m. Sunday and 4 a.m. Monday.

Most of our forecast models agree that 2 inches of rain is likely. Some models are hinting rainfall could total 3 inches – but that would be highly unusual for December, Bell said.

Washington’s all-time record for daily rainfall in December is 3.1 inches.

“I don’t know if we can get all the way to the full on record, but we’ll be close. It’ll be, in all likelihood, one of the [top] five or six rainiest December days on record,” Bell said.

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Whether or not any records get challenged, it will be very wet. If you had any high water issues with last Sunday’s storm, be prepared for more issues with this one.

There may be a small chance for a snowflake at the end, but Storm Team4 doesn’t expect enough to cause any significant delays. It’s not forecast to be like last Monday morning.

But much like last week, the storm is set to race out of the region by Monday afternoon.

10-day forecast and Christmas travel outlook

The remainder of the week is shaping up to be cold with highs in the 40s.

The early outlook for Christmas travel is good, with dry weather in the days leading up to the holiday. Christmas Eve is expected to have some sunshine and temps between 34 and 50 degrees.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

A white coating on grassy areas and some enormous falling snowflakes were seen by early risers.⁠ But don’t expect a long-lasting winter wonderland: Snow was finished before most people took their morning coffee break.

Snow totals ranged from under a half-inch to 1.5 inches in the areas farther outside the Beltway, including Prince William County and upper Montgomery County, according to the National Weather Service.

After a nearly snow-free winter last year – D.C. got a measly 0.4″ all season – drivers had to again wipe snow and sometimes ice off their cars. Some slushiness was seen on roads early Monday.

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Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer cautioned drivers to use caution on untreated roads or elevated surfaces including bridges and overpasses, which could be slick.

Public schools in Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, plus Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties in Virginia were among those who started late because of the snowy weather. Here’s a full list of school delays.

“It looks scarier than it is going to be,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said. “On the whole, roads are just wet.”

Temperatures were near-freezing early Monday and forecasted highs are in the mid-40s. By Monday afternoon, clouds will be long gone and blustery wind will take over. Here’s the Storm Team4 forecast.

Little, if any, evidence of snow will be visible by Monday evening, Bell said.

But about 4 a.m., snowflakes were coming down hard in parts of the region.

Photos show a dusting of white in Rockville and thick flakes falling in Waldorf.

By 6 a.m., the snow turned into a wet wintry mix in Upper Marlboro. Snow remained on grassy areas and parked cars, but melted on Maryland Route 301, leaving wet driving conditions.

On Interstate 270 in the Rockville area, slush along the shoulders of the highway was gone and traffic was running as normal, even with wet roads.

Parts of Montgomery County had some of the highest snow totals in the region: Damascus reported 2.5 inches in one reading and Gaithersburg measured about 1.5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

In Prince William County, Manassas and Dale City reported about an inch of snow. In Fairfax County, Mount Vernon, Vienna and Chantilly each had reports of more than an inch of snowfall.

The snow comes after a rainy Sunday with 1 to 1.5 inches of rain in the D.C. area.

D.C.’s burst of snow came on the early side this year. The average first snowfall occurs on Dec. 20, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Ryan Miller said.

Does that signal a snowy season to come? Maybe.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is currently predicting above-average temperatures for our region this winter, and Storm Team4 agrees with this. They are also predicting above-average precipitation in our region — and we agree with this as well.

El Niño has set up in the equatorial Pacific, and that could lead to more snow, including the potential for some big snowstorms. El Niño has a profound influence on the weather around the globe. In our area, it normally means more snow.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

A flood watch is in effect for excessive rainfall in parts of D.C., Maryland and Virginia until 1 a.m. on Monday. Go here for all weather alerts.

“It’s really the chance of flooding this afternoon that has our concern,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Ryan Miller said.

Rain began falling early Sunday. Heavy rain began around noon and will continue through midnight. Gusty winds up to 35 mph are possible. 

The greatest potential for flooding is in areas along and east of Interstate 95, Miller said. Close to two inches of rain could fall in the Metro area. 

Temperatures are expected to climb to the lower 60s during the day. A cold front will move into the western viewer area by 7 p.m. This will turn some of the rain into snow overnight and into Monday morning. 

“A very mild day ahead of the cold front that’s ultimately going to give us the colder air,” Miller said. 

Some light snow accumulation may be visible on grassy surfaces in D.C. While the northwestern suburbs could see a bit of snow into the early morning hours, according to Miller. 

There will be precipitation early Monday, but it will quiet down quickly. Expect wet roads during the morning commute.

Stay with News4 for updates for this forecast and check out our weather page for radar and more weather info.

The D.C. government issued its first hypothermia alert of the season on Nov. 2, 2023.

D.C.’s Department of Human Services says it will activate a hypothermia alert when the National Weather Service forecasts that temperatures, including wind chill, “will be 32° F or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below, and the forecasted chance of precipitation is fifty percent or greater.”

The conditions are dangerous for the elderly and those experiencing homelessness.

If anyone in the region is unhoused or for other reasons needs shelter when it gets too cold outside, there are many resources available in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

“It’s crucial that people know that there is a safe, welcoming place that they can come inside,” Laura Zeilinger, the director of D.C.’s Department of Human Services, said.

For those in need, use the resources below:

D.C. cold weather resources

“During hypothermia season, the Shelter Hotline and transportation to a shelter are available to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” the D.C. Department of Human Services said.

• Call 202-399-7093 or 311 for on-demand transportation to shelters.
• If someone is at immediate risk, call 911
• Families experiencing homelessness can contact the shelter hotline or visit the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center at 920-A Rhode Island Ave NE.
• Sign up for free email and text alerts with AlertDC or follow AlertDC on X to get notified of hypothermia alerts
• A map of low-barrier shelters is available here.

Maryland cold weather resources

Frederick, Maryland

• Heartly House emergency shelter hotline for Frederick County (open 24 hours): 301-662-8800

• Frederick non-emergency police number: 301-600-2100

Montgomery County

• 24-hour Homeless Information Line: 240-907-2688
• Crisis Center (open 24 hours): 240-777-4000
• Police non-emergency line: 301-279-8000
• For more information, visit Montgomery County police’s website

Prince George’s County

• Non-emergency police: 301-352-1200
• Emergency Shelter Services/Homeless Hotline: 888-731- 0999
• Sign up for public safety alerts here

Virginia cold weather resources

Fairfax County

• Non-emergency police line: 703-691-2131
• For a list of shelters and more information on the Hypothermia Prevention Program, visit this website

Prince William County

Both of the city’s hypothermia shelters will be available from Nov. 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. They can serve up to 22 people on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• StreetLight Ministries serves eastern Prince William County. Email thermalshelter@thestreetlight.org or call 703-227-7140. Operating hours are Monday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Manassas Baptist Church serves western Prince William County. Their phone number is 571-277-0728. Operating hours daily are 7 p.m. to 6:15 a.m., except Wednesdays (8:30 p.m. to 6:15 a.m.)
• For more information, visit their website

Alexandria

• The Winter Shelter: 703-477-5773
• Non-emergency police line: 703-746-4444
• For more information, visit their website

Arlington County

• Non-emergency police number: 703-558-2222
• Shelters outside of business hours: 703-228-1010
• PathForward Shelter Program: 703-228-7803
• New Hope Housing: 703-228-0022
• For more information, visit their website.

Falls Church

• Falls Church Emergency Winter Shelter: 703-854-1400
• Non-emergency: 703-248-5053
• For more information, visit their website

Loudoun County

• Loudoun County Hypothermia Prevention Shelter: 703-777-0420
• Non-emergency: 703-777-1021
• For more information, visit their website

Rain will start in the western counties, including Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William and Fauquier, about 6 p.m. before moving into the D.C. area.

As temperatures fall overnight, there will be a slight chance for some wet snowflakes to mix in with the rain.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper emphasized there will be no accumulations — if we see snow at all.

“There is that chance it just doesn’t materialize,” Draper said. “It is not going to be a big deal here in the D.C. metro area.”

Any snow we get will immediately melt when it hits the ground, she said.

There’s a slight possibility areas near Interstate-81 like Winchester, Luray and other areas to the west could get a coating.

The highest elevations in far western Maryland and West Virginia are under a winter weather advisory through tomorrow morning for 3 to 6 inches, Draper said.

Aside from the small chance for rain and snow in the morning, Wednesday will be chilly with a high of 44 degrees.

Stay with News4 for updates for this forecast and check out our weather page for radar and more weather info.

The central location of the D.C. Public Library system posted about the free blankets on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) Tuesday, a day when morning wind chills were in the mid 20s and evening wind gusts knocked down the National Christmas tree outside the White House. A cold weather emergency was in effect due to the extremely cold temperatures.

“Blankets available here,” the sign at the library announced, along with an image of a red cozy-looking throw. An image of Martin Luther King Jr. looks on protectively from the mural in the library.

The MLK Library is located at 901 G St. NW in the Penn Quarter area.

The blankets are free and can be requested at the front desk “as available.” This note sparked social media users to ask how they could donate extra blankets to the library or even share the idea with other libraries.

“Ok but like how can we send you more blankets?” one X user commented.

Another wrote: “@DunwLibr is this something you offer/have thought about offering as the weather gets worse? Thx.”

The library receives blankets from a D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) initiative, a representative of the D.C. Public Library told News4. The DHS has distributed blankets to individuals experiencing homelessness for years, they said.

The D.C. Public Library system also encouraged people to check on unsheltered neighbors, seniors and other vulnerable people, and to call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311 if someone needs help.

D.C.’s cold weather emergency plan goes into effect when freezing temperatures are dangerous for residents, especially those outdoors or unsheltered. It is activated when wind chills are 15° or below, or if there is a wind chill of 20° along with snow.

Here are additional cold weather safety precautions from D.C.:

• Stay inside if you can. 
• Cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside. 
• Check on your neighbors and learn the signs of hypothermia. Young children, seniors, and those with access and functional needs are the most vulnerable in our community.
• For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730. 

Storm Team4 Nov 6, 2023

Storm Team4's winter weather outlook

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But get those waterproof boots and snow shovels ready — because if you want snow, and lots of it, Storm Team4 says this could be your year.

Storm Team 4 is predicting:

• 22″-30″ of snow this winter for the I-95 corridor and the D.C. metro area
• 15″-22″ in our southern zones
• 30″-40″ in the western suburbs

If conditions come together, we could see one or two big snowstorms that really make their mark on the winter of 2023-2024.

We should see an active storm track this winter, with numerous storms that will produce rain at times and snow at other times. Temperatures will be above average for a good chunk of this winter, but there will be cold bouts as well. All of this will add up to the potential for some big East Coast storms.

We expect December to be about average or a little bit above. January will have near to slightly below average temperatures, while February could be our coldest month — and our stormiest.

Recent winters have seen a shortage of snowflakes

Our last blizzard was all the way back in 2016. As one of the biggest snowstorms in D.C. history, it shut down the city for days.

But since then, six out of our past seven winters have seen below-average snowfall. The winter of 2018-2019 was the only time we surpassed the average of 13.7″.

Over these past seven years, we’ve averaged just 6.8″ of snow per year — and in two of those years, we didn’t even get a single inch. The winter of 2019-2020 saw just 0.6″, and last winter was one of the least snowy of all time, with a measly 0.4″. Last winter was also one of the warmest of all time.

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A snowy outlook for winter of 2023-2024

It has been either feast or famine when it comes to snow over the last few years, but lately it’s been more famine.

Now, as we look toward the winter of 2023-2024, we could be feasting quite a bit more.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is currently predicting above-average temperatures for our region this winter, and we agree with this. They are also predicting above-average precipitation in our region — and we agree with this as well.

El Niño has set up in the equatorial Pacific, and that could lead to more snow, including the potential for some big snowstorms. El Niño has a profound influence on the weather around the globe. In our area, it normally means more snow, but let’s dive into the details.

What to know about El Niño’s effect on winters in the DC area

This developing El Niño is looking to be a strong one. Looking at previous years with similar conditions, the D.C. area has hit the jackpot in regards to snowfall almost every time.

We reviewed four similar El Niño winters: 1957-1958, 1965-1966, 1972-1973 and 1982-1983. The average snowfall over those four winters was 24″ — but we said we hit the jackpot only almost every time. The winter of 1972-1973 was actually our least snowy winter on record, with just 0.1″. While El Niño might have been similar that year, other factors are not, and Storm Team4 is taking that year out of the equation.

So over those other El Niño winters (1957-1958, 1965-1966 and 1982-1983), we got an average of 32.1″ per winter. That’s a big number — and Storm Team4 expects a big winter.

Other factors involved in predicting a snowy winter

There are numerous other factors at play in addition to El Niño. For example, warm water in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico should help produce more moisture during storms in the D.C. area. The warm water of the Pacific should also help to bring more moisture in from the west.

Another factor to consider is Siberian snow cover in October and early November. Normally, cold and snowy weather there during this time period could mean a colder-than-average winter for us and one with more snow. This year, snowfall in that area of the world has been a little late, but it’s starting now to really increase.

Storm Team4 also reviews something called the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO). This takes a look at winds in the stratosphere. Currently, the QBO is negative. When this happens, we look for more cold weather outbreaks in the eastern U.S., and that could lead to more snow.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.