Damaging storms hitting DC region Friday, continuing gloomy weather trend
Severe weather is battering the D.C. region Friday afternoon, with the heightened heat and humidity adding more fuel to the fire for storms packing up to 80 mph wind gusts, hail and heavy rain.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m. that covers the entire D.C. region. The main threats, according to the weather service, are damaging winds up to 80 mph and large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Latest warnings from the weather service:
- Severe thunderstorm warning for D.C., Anne Arundel, northwestern Calvert, Prince George’s and north central Charles counties in Maryland and Arlington and east central Fairfax counties and the City of Alexandria in Virginia until 6:30 p.m.
- Destructive severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Carroll and northwestern Baltimore counties in Maryland until 6 p.m. Up to 80 mph wind gusts are possible with this storm.
- Destructive severe thunderstorm warning for central Montgomery County in Maryland until 5:45 p.m. Up to 80 mph wind gusts are possible with this storm.
- Severe thunderstorm warning for north central D.C., Anne Arundel, southern Howard, Montgomery and northern Prince George’s counties in Maryland until 6:30 p.m.
- Severe thunderstorm warning for Carroll, northern Anne Arundel, northern Howard, north central Montgomery and eastern Frederick counties in Maryland until 6:15 p.m.
- Severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern D.C. and southwestern Prince George’s and north central Charles counties in Maryland, Manassas, Manassas Park and Alexandria and Virginia, and southeastern Arlington, southern Fairfax and east central Prince William counties in Virginia until 5:45 p.m.
Just before 3:30 p.m., the severe weather reached D.C.’s far western suburbs. The weather service issued severe thunderstorm warnings at that time covering parts of Montgomery and Frederick counties in Maryland and Loudoun County in Virginia.
Winds intensified in Loudoun County and Western Maryland in the early evening. WTOP Meteorologist said storms were packing gusts up to 70 mph from Thurmont, Maryland, to Leesburg, Virginia, and widespread wind damage was expected.
Ground stops at all three major airports in the region are in effect Friday evening — until 6:15 p.m. at Reagan National Airport, 6:30 at Baltimore Washington International Airport, and until 6 p.m. at Dulles International Airport.
High temperatures Friday reached the upper 80s, with high humidity, which is providing more fuel for any storms that do hit the region to pack more of a punch.
An active weather day lies ahead with multiple rounds of showers & t’storms possible. There will be plenty of fuel to work with given the increasing heat & humidity. A Slight risk for severe t’storms covers the entire area, with damaging winds & large hail being the main threats pic.twitter.com/yTbbRZ4CnP
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 16, 2025
Early Saturday, the risk for showers and storms remains, before skies finally brighten and give way to a pleasant end to the weekend.
Full forecast
FRIDAY EVENING: STORM ALERT
Showers and thunderstorms likely
Temperatures: 80s to 70s
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Showers and thunderstorms are likely this evening, although not a guarantee for some neighborhoods. Forecast model trends continue to be iffy at best, with remaining uncertainty. Should storms develop, some may become strong to severe, with gusty winds, hail and moderate to heavy rain. While not at zero, a quick spin up is possible, but chances are extremely low.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Showers and storms
Lows: 65-70
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Shower and storm chances continue overnight as temperatures settle to the middle 60s to around 70 degrees.
SATURDAY: Morning clouds with showers and storms possible, followed by sun
Highs: 85-89
Winds: Southwest 10-15, Gusts to 25 mph
Early morning clouds are expected with warm and muggy conditions during the morning. There’s a slight chance for showers and storms early in the morning, but skies will brighten through the day with falling humidity during the afternoon. It will be warm with highs in the mid to upper 80s and a nice breeze.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny and less humid
Highs: Near 80
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
Great weather returns Sunday with less humidity and lot so sun.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny and breezy
Highs: 75-80
Winds: Northwest 10-20 mph
Nice weather continues to start the work and school week with plenty of sun and highs in the middle 70s to near 80 degrees.