DC-area forecast: Humid as downpour chances increase this evening; drier midweek

Always a human at the helm: Updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather meteorologists.

Happening now: A flood watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Scattered storms should increase as the evening continues. Any storms could produce heavy rain and dangerous lightning.

What’s next? More showers and storms are possible Tuesday. Less humid and lower storm chances Wednesday and Thursday before both rise again Friday into the weekend.

Forecast in detail

Tonight: Scattered showers and storms are possible at times this evening, and some could produce very heavy rain. Localized flooding is possible as 1 to 2 inches could fall in less than hour in the heaviest downpours. Rain chances diminish late at night, with lows near 70. Confidence: Medium-High

[Flood watch issued for late this afternoon and evening]

Tomorrow (Tuesday): Variably cloudy and still rather humid (dew points hovering near or a little above 70). Scattered showers and storms could develop but may be less numerous than in recent days (rain chances will probably be higher south and east of DC). Highs reach the low to mid-80s, with light and variable winds. Confidence: Medium

Tomorrow night: A few showers and storms are possible in the evening. Otherwise, expect partly cloudy skies and lows in the 60s as somewhat drier air filters in. Confidence: Medium

A look ahead

Although not entirely in the clear, Wednesday and Thursday see lower storm chances (dipping to around 20 percent). Humidity eases a bit Wednesday (dew points in the mid- to upper 60s) before typical July mugginess returns Thursday (dew points near or above 70). Highs in the mid-80s Wednesday edge closer to 90 Thursday while nighttime lows are in the 60s to near 70. Confidence: Medium

A slow-moving front brings increasing chances for afternoon and evening showers and storms Friday and Saturday. Humid highs on Friday may surpass 90 before pulling back into the 80s on Saturday, when there are more clouds. Lows are mostly near 70. Confidence: Medium

Drier air may return to the area on Sunday, lowering storm chances. Highs should be in the 80s. Confidence: Low-Medium

Today’s daily digit — 5/10: The drop in temperatures is welcome, and so is any rain. But it's still too darn muggy. | 🤚 Your call?
The digit is a somewhat subjective rating of the day’s weather, on a 0-to-10 scale.