Heavy storms bring 2 to 3 inches of hourly rainfall to Northern Virginia

Heavy rain hit the D.C. area Sunday as storms moved through the region, prompting flood warning and watches for parts of Northern Virginia and the District.

The National Weather Service earlier issued a flood warning for Northern Virginia and a flood watch for D.C. and surrounding areas that had either expired or was cancelled by authorities by 2 p.m.

Officials warned that storm drains and ditches were likely to become clogged with debris, leading to flooding.

“A disturbance riding along a stalled front will produce localized heavy showers and perhaps a thunderstorm,” the National Weather Service said.

草莓传媒 Meteorologist Mike Stinneford said rain was falling at rates of 2 to 3 inches an hour on Interstate 66 near Oakton, Fairfax and Vienna early afternoon on Sunday.

“There is a lot of standing water out there right now,” Stinneford said, shortly before noon. “Very heavy rainfall right now.”

7草莓传媒 First Alert Meteorologist Mark Pe帽a said the storms would not last all day but could bring periods of heavy rain. “A few storms could produce briefly heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds. Most activity fades toward sunset, followed by clearing skies overnight,” he said.

Weather conditions calm heading into the workweek.

“High pressure builds in Monday, bringing more sunshine, lower humidity and very low rain chances,” Pe帽a said. “Temperatures remain seasonable, making for favorable outdoor conditions.”

Heat and humidity increase Tuesday as winds turn southerly, with highs returning to the lower 90s under mostly sunny skies.

Dangerous heat builds Wednesday and continues into the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Highs reach the upper 90s and could approach 100, with heat index values between 102 and 107.

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FORECAST

SUNDAY NIGHT: Scattered Shower
Lows: 65-70
Winds: East 5 mph
Scattered downpours will continue through about midnight that could lead to isolated instances of flash flooding for areas west of Highway 15. Otherwise, gradual clearing after midnight with seasonable temperatures.

MONDAY: Mostly Sunny
Highs: 85-90
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Monday looks like the pick of the extended forecast. High pressure builds overhead, bringing a mix of sunshine and fair-weather clouds with much lower rain chances. Temperatures remain seasonably warm in the mid to upper 80s, and humidity stays relatively comfortable. It will be an excellent day for outdoor plans before a much hotter pattern develops.

TUESDAY: Mostly Sunny
Highs: 88-93
Winds: South 5-10 mph
The heat begins to build as high pressure shifts offshore and winds turn more southerly. Afternoon temperatures climb into the lower 90s under mostly sunny skies. Humidity also starts increasing, although rain chances remain very low.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny and Hot
Highs: 95-100
Heat Index: 102-107
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Extreme heat begins to build around much of the eastern 2/3 of the United States. Along with a surge of tropical moisture, temperatures will approach 100 degrees and feel as hot as 102 to 107 degrees with the heat index. It is imperative to check on neighbors, the elderly, and pets and make sure they have access to adequate cooling as temperatures will continue to climb into the low 100s through the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States.

THURSDAY: Sunny & Hot
Highs: 100-105
Heat Index: 107-112
Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph
Intense heat builds across the East Coast with highs well above 100 degrees and heat index values ranging from 107 to as hot as 112 degrees. We will monitor the chance for pop-up thunderstorms, but confidence is low at this time for any relief. The record for Thursday is 101 degrees set over 125 years ago in 1898. Leading up to a big outdoor holiday such as the Fourth of July, it is extremely important to remember heat safety which includes staying plenty hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, wearing light-colored, loose fitting clothing, and applying and re-applying sunscreen.