Washington, D.C. – Residents across the Mid-Atlantic should prepare for a wetter-than-average stretch March 5-11, with multiple rain chances that could slow commutes and gradually raise river levels from Pennsylvania to Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, much of the Mid-Atlantic region falls within a 40 to 50 percent chance of above-normal precipitation during the March 5-11 period. While the heaviest rainfall signal remains centered farther west in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, repeated systems are expected to bring measurable rain to the I-95 corridor and surrounding areas. Temperatures are also forecast to trend above average across the region.
In Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Richmond, most precipitation will fall as rain. Warmer air should dominate throughout the period, though higher elevations in western Maryland and central Pennsylvania could briefly see mixing during overnight hours.
Periods of steady rainfall may create ponding along Interstates 95, 70, 83 and 66, especially in urban corridors with poor drainage. The Potomac, Susquehanna and James rivers could see gradual rises if multiple systems track over the same watersheds.
Residents should clear storm drains, monitor local river forecasts and allow extra travel time during heavier rain. The unsettled pattern continues through March 11, and additional advisories could be issued if rainfall trends increase.
