Heavy Rain Likely Headed Toward Northern Virginia, DC

WASHINGTON, DC — After extreme heat impacted the region through the weekend, storms are headed our way to cool things down. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch in anticipation of storms and thunderstorms beginning Monday afternoon.

The flash flood warning takes effect at 3 p.m. and runs through the late night. Forecasters say rounds of showers and thunderstorms could produce heavy rain, much of which may happen in a short amount of time. The area could receive accumulations of 1 to 2 inches with isolated areas receiving up to 4 inches. In addition, a severe thunderstorm watch runs until 10 p.m.

A flash flood watch means conditions leading to flash flooding could develop. Residents should monitor the forecast should it be upgraded to a flash flood warning.

The flash flood watch applies to the District of Columbia, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Fredericksburg and King George County are not under the flash flood watch but have a hazardous weather outlook. The severe thunderstorm watch applies to all aforementioned counties and cities.

Rain could continue into Tuesday morning, but we should evade storms for the rest of the week. Here's the National Weather Service forecast for DC:

• Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. High near 93 and heat index values as high as 101. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent. At night, expect showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight, then periods of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. Low around 69.
• Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before noon. High near 79. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. The night is mostly cloudy with a low around 67.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Partly cloudy at night with a low around 66.
• Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 86 and mostly clear night with a low around 68.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Mostly clear at night with a low around 69.