Scattered Afternoon Storms Follow Unseasonably Warm Day in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., Thursday, September 4, 2025 - A surge of late-summer warmth swept the nation’s capital on Thursday, with afternoon highs climbing into the mid to upper 80s under increasing humidity and breezy southerly winds. As a weakening cold front approaches, residents should prepare for scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms later today.

Today’s morning hours featured bright, sunny skies with temperatures rapidly warming from the 60s into the 70s. By midday, readings had already reached the low 80s, driven by sustained southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph, and dew points in the mid-60s, heightening the muggy feel.

Forecasters with the Capital Weather Gang note that cloud cover is expected to build through the afternoon as a weakening cool front draws near. A line of scattered storms could develop after 4 p.m., bringing brief but locally heavy downpours and lightning strikes. The storm threat should diminish by late evening, giving way to partly cloudy skies and overnight lows settling into the lower 60s.

Looking ahead, the cold front will usher in pleasantly mild and dry conditions starting Saturday, with daytime highs dipping into the 70s and low humidity. Friday will remain summer-like, with highs again in the mid-80s and lingering muggy overnight lows in the mid-60s, before the front finally delivers relief over the weekend.