Weather

A strong cold front moving through the region today is expected to bring a line of powerful thunderstorms, prompting a Level 3 (Enhanced Risk) for severe weather across much of Northern Virginia, including the I-95 corridor, according to the National Weather Service in Sterling.

As of 11 a.m., temperatures were already soaring into the mid to upper 80s, with oppressive humidity making it feel even hotter. At Washington National Airport, it was 84°F with a heat index of 91°F. In Fredericksburg, it was 86°F and sunny, with wind gusts reaching 18 mph. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was already reporting a temperature of 91°F and a heat index near 99°F.

A Tornado Watch is in effect for our area until midnight Friday, with the greatest risk for severe weather between 7 and 10 p.m. along the I-95 corridor. The National Weather Service says a band of intense thunderstorms is expected to move eastward into our region this evening, bringing the possibility of isolated tornadoes, heavy downpours, and gusty winds up to 65 mph. A Flood Watch is also in effect, and while the heaviest rain may fall north of our region, saturated ground means it won’t take much to cause localized flash flooding.

Later tonight, a second round of rain is possible, especially in northern Maryland, as the storm system’s surface low strengthens. Behind the front, blustery winds may continue overnight. Another round of showers and possibly thunderstorms is expected Saturday, though with lower coverage and intensity.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for much of Northern Virginia, in effect until 10 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025.

Areas included in the watch are Prince William, Stafford, Fairfax, Fauquier, Culpeper, Loudoun, Frederick, and surrounding counties, along with the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Winchester, according to the National Weather Service.

A warm and sunny start to Saturday will give way to a stormy and unsettled pattern across our region this weekend. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon, some of which could be strong to severe, bringing damaging winds and large hail. Rain and thunderstorm chances increase overnight and continue through Sunday and into Monday, with the potential for localized flooding and isolated severe storms. While not everyone will see dangerous weather, it’s important to stay alert as conditions evolve.

Weekend Outlook

The workweek will begin on a cool and breezy note today, but it won’t last long. High pressure moving in from Canada will bring sunny skies and calmer conditions for Monday, followed by a sharp warm-up on Tuesday. A few showers and thunderstorms could develop late Tuesday as a warm front pushes through the region.

Here’s what to expect over the next few days:

A cold front moving through the area this afternoon and evening will bring scattered showers and a few thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong, with gusty winds. Behind the front, Canadian high pressure will bring cooler and breezy conditions for Sunday and Monday, with plenty of sunshine. Another weather system is expected to approach by midweek.

Weather Outlook:

Residents across Northern Virginia and the surrounding region should prepare for a sharp plunge in temperatures tonight, with conditions expected to reach near-record lows. The National Weather Service reports that a powerful high-pressure system is moving into the area, ushering in clear skies, dry air, and cold temperatures through the middle of the week.

Forecasters say tonight’s weather will create “ideal radiational cooling conditions,” allowing heat from the ground to escape into the atmosphere. Low temperatures are projected to dip into the 20s for most areas, with some of the coldest locations possibly reaching the mid to upper teens. Urban cores like Fredericksburg and Manassas may stay around freezing, but are still expected to see unseasonably cold weather.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a potent weather system is set to impact the region today, bringing strong storms and gusty winds.

A deepening area of low pressure and an associated cold front will move across the region Wednesday, ushering in a line of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms may become severe, followed by a prolonged period of strong winds from Wednesday night into Thursday afternoon.