WASHINGTON — A developing coastal low has brought a soaking rain to DC Thursday. This will potentially be D.C.'s wettest day in two months.
Overview:
What: Periods of Rain, Moderate to Heavy at times
Time frame: Until Thursday 10 PM
Heaviest: Now - 5 PM
Rain Totals: 1" to 2"+ Up to 3" in some areas
Winds: NE/NW - 10, picking up later Thursday night/Friday AM
Futurecast & Discussion
The heaviest rain will fall for the morning commute and lunch hour, when standing/ponding water on roads is likely. Rain will taper to showers as the low pulls away from the area late Thursday afternoon and evening. It strengthens as it does so, picking up high winds behind the rain Friday.
This could potentially be DC's wettest day in 2 months! Look at DC's recent rain stats in comparison to the model output for rain. A widespread 1" to 2" is likely for the metro. The rain totals will be lower over I-81 and points west.
Last Measurable Rain - March 10th (0.41")
Last 1/2" Rain Day - March 3rd (0.52")
Last 3/4" Rain Day - February 24th (0.94")
Last 1"+ Rain Day - January 24th (1.03")
Recap: D.C. Timeline
Plan on rain for the AM & PM commutes on Thursday. The rain could be heavy at times, especially 4 AM to 4 PM. Gusty winds aren't much of a factor until later Thursday evening/night and into Friday.
New England Gets Clobbered As Storm Pulls Away From D.C.
This storm will strengthen as the low 'deepens'. In meteorology, this means that the pressure level drops, which causes the wind speeds to pick up. Windy conditions are likely across the North East and especially New England into Friday and early Saturday. This storm will also bring rain and snow. The highest snow totals will be across interior New York through Maine. Along the coast it may be a mainly rain event.
