NWS Warns D.C. Area of 80 mph Storms as Heat Index Hits 115 on July 4
Updated
Updated · WTOP · Jul 4
NWS Warns D.C. Area of 80 mph Storms as Heat Index Hits 115 on July 4
3 articles · Updated · WTOP · Jul 4
Summary
70- to 80-mph wind gusts could hit the Washington metro from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, with the National Weather Service placing the immediate area under an enhanced severe-thunderstorm risk.
Damaging winds are the main threat, with torrential rain and frequent lightning also possible; forecasters warned of downed trees, power lines, scattered outages and dangerous travel.
An extreme heat warning remains in effect until 9 p.m., with highs near 100 degrees and heat index values of 110 to 115 after record-breaking heat the previous two days.
10:30 p.m. fireworks on the National Mall are still expected to proceed as storm risk eases later in the evening, though officials urged visitors to stay weather-aware and know where to shelter.
Sunday stays hot and unstable, with highs in the 90s and more strong storms possible, while repeated downpours through Monday could raise localized flooding risk.