Virginia skies may turn turbulent later today as isolated thunderstorms threaten parts of central and northern Virginia. Warm, humid air is already building across the region this morning.
Clouds thicken through the afternoon while unstable air spreads across the Richmond metro and Interstate 64 corridor. If storms develop, they could intensify quickly.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, scattered thunderstorms may form mainly between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. across northern portions of the region. Storm coverage remains uncertain, but any storm that forms could become strong.
The primary threat includes damaging wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph along with hail up to quarter size. A brief isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, particularly near and north of the I-64 corridor.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 64, I-95, and Route 360 should stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions late today. Strong wind bursts may knock down small tree limbs and create sudden visibility drops during heavier showers.
Communities including Richmond, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, and Ashland sit near the zone where storms could develop. The timing favors late afternoon through evening.
Residents should monitor alerts and secure outdoor items ahead of possible gusty storms. Lightning may also pose a hazard during stronger cells.
Once storms exit the region, calmer weather returns.
Sunshine and milder temperatures build by Thursday, with highs reaching the upper 50s to near 60 degrees.
By Friday, March 13, temperatures climb toward the low 60s, hinting at early spring warmth across central Virginia.
The warmer trend continues toward the weekend as spring break travel ramps up across the Mid-Atlantic.
Are storms developing in your neighborhood later today? Share what conditions look like where you are.
