Washington, D.C. – DC drivers and residents should brace for heavy rain and thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon, July 15th, as a fresh round of summer storms targets the city during peak travel hours. Commuters on I-495, I-295, and city streets face the risk of flash flooding and reduced visibility by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, a Flood Watch is in effect for Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas from 2 p.m. Tuesday until midnight. Thunderstorms are likely after 2 p.m., with locally heavy rainfall possibly reaching a half inch or more in just a few hours. Roadways and underpasses along the DC Beltway and main arteries are especially vulnerable to pooling water and sudden closures. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel, charge their mobile devices now, and monitor official alerts for fast-changing conditions.
On Tuesday, highs will climb near 90°F, but the real threat comes from the intensity of storms expected to strike after lunch and into the evening. Wind gusts, intense downpours, and lightning could bring power outages and tree damage. If you encounter water on the road, remember: turn around, don’t drown.
The unsettled pattern continues Wednesday, with additional showers and storms possible, mainly before 2 p.m. By Thursday and Friday, sunshine returns, and temperatures soar into the mid-90s, pushing the heat index even higher. The weekend looks hot and humid, with mostly sunny skies on Saturday and a slight chance of storms returning Sunday.
Stay tuned for more weather updates, as additional advisories could be issued. The Flood Watch remains in effect through midnight Tuesday.
Five-Day DC Weather Outlook:
- Tuesday [7/15]: Showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., high near 90°F. Flood Watch in effect.
- Wednesday [7/16]: Showers likely, mainly before 2 p.m., high near 91°F.
- Thursday [7/17]: Partly sunny, chance of PM thunderstorms, high near 94°F.
- Friday [7/18]: Mostly sunny, slight chance of storms, high near 94°F.
- Saturday [7/19]: Mostly sunny and humid, high near 91°F.
- Sunday [7/20]: Partly sunny, isolated storms possible, high near 90°F.
