Virginia and Maryland skies around the Washington metro are calm this morning, but the atmosphere is primed for trouble later today. Warm spring air spreading across the region could fuel strong thunderstorms by afternoon.
Temperatures climb into the 70s across Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, and central Maryland, creating unstable conditions ahead of an approaching cold front.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, scattered severe thunderstorms could develop later today and into the evening across the region.
If storms form, they may produce damaging wind gusts near 60 mph, large hail, and possibly a few isolated tornadoes. Storm coverage remains uncertain, but any storm that develops could intensify quickly.
Drivers across the I-95 corridor, I-66, and the Capital Beltway (I-495) should prepare for rapidly changing weather during the late afternoon commute. Sudden heavy rain and wind gusts may reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions.
Communities including Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Arlington, Gaithersburg, Frederick, and Baltimore lie within the zone where storms could strengthen as the front approaches.
Residents should secure outdoor items and monitor alerts through the afternoon. Lightning and gusty winds may arrive quickly if storms develop.
Once the front passes tonight, the region will feel a sharp change.
Cooler air pushes into the Mid-Atlantic Thursday morning, dropping temperatures and ending the brief early-spring warmth.
Even so, meteorologists say milder spring weather could return heading into the weekend, as the region moves closer to the first day of spring on March 20.
Are clouds building where you are around the DC metro today? Let us know what conditions look like in your neighborhood.
