Washington, D.C. region faces severe storms and intense heat

The Washington, D.C. metropolitan region is facing a period of volatile weather characterized by extreme heat and severe thunderstorms. High temperatures in the mid-90s have pushed heat index values near or above 100 degrees, prompting D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to activate a heat alert.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland and Virginia, including Montgomery, Prince George’s, Fairfax, and Stafford counties. The storms brought threats of damaging winds reaching 60 to 80 mph, large hail, and torrential rain. Flash flood warnings were specifically issued for Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland. While a tornado warning was briefly in effect for the Baltimore area, it was later canceled.

Unsettled weather is expected to continue through midweek, with additional storms forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. A gradual cooldown to the mid-80s is anticipated by Friday as a slow-moving cold front moves through the region.