The D.C. area will be under a flood alert Saturday night into Sunday morning as heavy rain will hit the WTOP listening area.
Following record high temperatures on Friday, light to moderate but widespread rain Saturday night into Sunday morning increased the risk of flooding in the metropolitan area. Here's what you need to know.
The National Meteorological Directorate issued a Flood watch Starting at 1 a.m. in most of the metropolitan area south and west of Baltimore, Maryland. This hour is expected to end by 10am
Rain will continue to spread northeast of the country this evening.
A flood watch remains in effect in parts of the area.
Latest: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr pic.twitter.com/427CUa1gSA
– NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 28, 2024
Rain already extending across the Capital Region is expected to remain heavy until 3 a.m. Sunday, according to 7News First Alert meteorologist Mark Peña.
“Fears of flooding are low, but not zero throughout the night,” Peña said, adding that “low-lying areas around the region may see flooding in some urban streets.”
Rainfall totals from this “liquid rain event” are expected to range from 1 to 2 inches, with the rain becoming less intense before ending later Sunday morning, Peña expects.
However, scattered rain is expected to continue across the region, leading to dismal weather for the NFL Conference Championship on Sunday, when the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs.
Highs on Sunday will be in the 40s before falling into the 30s. These cold temperatures could create a brief mix of rain and wet snow, though a possible wintry mix is unlikely to create any accumulation, Peña tells WTOP.
Monday will be breezy with wind chills in the 30s.
Current weather
Climate prediction
Before dawn Sunday: Flood Alert
Continuous rain.
Lows: 1940s
Wind: North 3-8 mph
Rainfall will become widespread and moderate to heavy at times, as the system approaches our area. Rainfall totals of about one inch could reduce the risk of flooding, especially in western Washington. The rain is supposed to end Sunday morning.
Sunday: Flood Watch (morning only)
Scattered rain showers.
Heights: 44-49
Wind: NE 5-10 mph
Scattered rain is expected throughout the day, accompanied by temperatures reaching the 40s. By sunset, it will be much cooler with wind chill readings in the 30s. Later in the evening, the chances of wet weather will increase, and if the cold air persists, there may be a brief mix of rain and wet snowflakes. However, no accumulation is expected at this time.
Monday:
Mostly cloudy
Heights: Mid-forties
Wind: NE 5-10 mph, winds 25-35 mph
The weather will be partly cloudy, with fresh northwesterly winds reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Wind chills will remain in the 30s throughout the day.
Tuesday:
partly cloudy.
Heights: 1940s
Wind: East 5 mph
Partly sunny and dry with seasonal temperatures.
I look forward:
A fast-moving system on Wednesday will likely bring additional showers to the area, some of which may mix with snow. Accumulations (if any) will likely be less than an inch and will be limited to areas west of the D.C. metro. The rest of next week is trending mostly dry and seasonless, with morning temperatures in the 30s and afternoon highs in the 40s. Thursday marks the beginning of February, which is also the last month of atmospheric winter. Interestingly, this year is a leap year, so mark your calendar for Thursday, February 29 – perhaps an extra day in the month to increase the snow total!
WTOP's Ivy Lyons contributed to this report.
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