These storms and their associated clouds are followed by some sunshine across much of the region. There's a chance, but not a certainty, of more showers or storms later tonight before a cold front clears the area around or after midnight. We will update this article if any strong to severe storms occur.
4:40 p.m. — Just a few storms scattered across northern parts of the region
So far today, the storms are scattered rather than widespread, primarily affecting Montgomery and Howard counties. While they brought some heavy downpours and lightning, they didn't unleash particularly strong wind gusts.
However, new storms are possible, especially near and east of Interstate 95.
3:45 PM — Storms hit Montgomery County, but not severe
Radar showed storms moving across western Montgomery County, flooding areas cleared from Wednesday's tornado. Although they contain heavy rain and lightning, they are not considered severe as they do not produce damaging winds at this time.
The storm will continue to the east and northeast and move through Rockville, Olney and Columbia over the next hour or so.
Currently, storms are likely to be more frequent southward in the region, but the northern storm line may expand further south.
If the storm becomes severe, we will issue another update in approximately an hour or less.
2:35 p.m. — Severe thunderstorms continue until 9 p.m.
A cold front moving through the area could trigger some severe storms tonight, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm warning until 9 p.m.
“Stronger thunderstorms will produce strong to severe gusts (50-65 mph) causing wind damage,” the weather service wrote.
In addition to strong winds, storms can produce torrential downpours, lightning, and perhaps hail.
For areas west of Interstate 95, most of the storm should occur by 6 p.m., while areas east of Interstate 95 are most likely between 5 and 9 p.m.
The observation area includes an area from Virginia Beach to Philadelphia and also includes Richmond and Baltimore.
The storms could be strongest east of Interstate 95.
Severe thunderstorms do not guarantee a severe storm in your location, it simply means that the ingredients for a possible storm are in place. You should remain alert and monitor weather conditions. If there is a severe thunderstorm warn is issued, this means a dangerous storm is approaching and you should go indoors.
Severe thunderstorms can sometimes produce tornadoes, but today's tornado composition was much worse than yesterday's.
We will post another update in about an hour, or earlier if there is a storm threat.
2 p.m. — Tornado warning issued, then canceled
A tornado warning was briefly issued for parts of northern Montgomery and southeastern Frederick County, including Urbana and Damascus. The warning was scheduled to last until 2:15 p.m., but was canceled as the storm's rotation weakened.
Although tornado warnings have been issued, it is unlikely that a prolonged storm like Wednesday's would produce tornadoes.
After yesterday's surprisingly powerful tornado outbreak in Maryland, another afternoon into evening storm risk is brewing today. In this case, the greatest concentration of activity should be toward the southern and eastern parts of Southern Maryland. However, we can still take a few hits as local storms develop. The good news is that today's severe weather is caused by a cold front, which will bring much better weather for this week's work.
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Through tonight: Showers and storms will develop locally, with most activity moving southeast of adjacent areas by 5pm or 6pm. The main risks should be isolated damaging wind gusts and maybe some hail, primarily near and east of Interstate 95, as well as the potential for heavy rain and dangerous lightning. The possibility of a brief tornado has not been ruled out.
As the humidity wanes before dawn, lows eventually drop into the upper 60s.
Check Current weather in the Washington Post.
Tomorrow (Friday): We will end this week on a happy note. There will be few clouds, the sun will be warm, and highs will rise to near 80 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity also dropped due to gusty westerly winds.
Check out Jason Samenow's weather forecast for the entire weekend. If you haven't already join us on Facebook and follow us X and Instagram. For traffic news, check out Gridlock.
More storms: Any storms that develop this afternoon will likely become severe quickly due to ample moisture and warmth, coupled with a cold front moving toward the area. Wind shear (changes in altitude and direction) was less favorable for the tornado than yesterday. The biggest uncertainty is that the storm will start in our area rather than coming from the west.
“This afternoon's strong cold front is expected to spark a series of storms that will sweep across the region starting at mid-afternoon,” our severe weather expert Jeff Halvorson said.
Halvorson noted, “Models indicate more scattered coverage in northern Washington, D.C., and more solid coverage in Washington, D.C. and south. The greatest danger is localized, damaging straight-line wind gusts.”
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