WASHINGTON, DC — Friday in the Washington area started hot and sticky, then shifted toward dangerous thunderstorms as a cold front pushed into the region. Forecasters said storms would arrive from late afternoon through about 9 p.m., lining up with the evening commute.
The system was expected to produce heavy rain and very strong winds, with a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m.
Warnings Spread Across the DMV
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued earlier for D.C., Montgomery County in Maryland, and several counties in Virginia. Officials said the storms were the main weather threat for the region as conditions turned more unstable later in the day.
Residents were urged to follow alerts through the NBC Washington app, which was highlighted as the fastest way to receive severe weather updates.
Heat Peaks Before The Storms Arrive
Before the storms moved in, temperatures climbed into the mid-90s again, making Friday nearly as hot as Thursday. The heat index reached 103 degrees, and a heat advisory remained in effect until 8 p.m…