Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For NoVA; Damaging Winds Main Risk

Updated at 3:15 p.m.

VIRGINIA — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch around 3 p.m. on Wednesday for Northern Virginia and most of the Greater Washington, DC area. The watch is in effect until 10 p.m., and adds to watches already most for excessive heat and a flood watch.

Communities under the watch include: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Chantilly, Charlottesville, Herndon, Leesburg, McLean, Reston, Sterling and Woodbridge, along with Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties.

Damaging winds are the main risk from these storms, the NWS said.

High temperatures mixed with showers were already expected to make it hot and humid. A heat advisory was in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the weather service's forecast. The thermometer is expected 96 degrees, but the heat index values will make it feel like it's 102.

A flood watch will be in effect from 2 p.m. until midnight.

“Storms could bring some damaging winds as well as some moderate to heavy rain that could lead to some isolated flash flooding; can’t rule out even some small hail around the area,” 7News7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 3 p.m., which could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Expect a 60 percent chance of precipitation and wind gusting up to 20 mph.

"Thunderstorms this afternoon and evening could have intense rain rates exceeding 2 inches per hour," according to NWS. "If locally repetitive or prolonged thunderstorms develop, flash flooding could occur in flood prone urban and suburban areas."

Here is a breakdown of the climbing temperatures forecast through noon on Friday, and when the heatwave will break:

• Noon Wednesday: 95 degrees (feels like 102)
• 1 p.m. Wednesday: 96 degrees (feels like 103)
• 4 p.m. Wednesday: 97 degrees (feels like 104)
• 7 p.m. Wednesday: 85 degrees (feels like 92)
• 9 p.m. Wednesday: 81 degrees (feels like 86)
• 12 a.m. Thursday: 78 degrees (feels like 78)
• 3 a.m. Thursday: 77 degrees (feels like 77)
• 6 a.m. Thursday: 75 degrees (feels like 75)
• 9 a.m. Thursday: 77 degrees (feels like 77)
• 12 p.m. Thursday: 83 degrees (feels like 86)
• 3 p.m. Thursday: 88 degrees (feels like 89)
• 6 p.m. Thursday 87 degrees (feels like 87)
• 9 p.m. Thursday 82 degrees (feels like 83)
• 12 a.m. Friday 76 degrees (feels like 76)
• 10 a.m. Friday 77 degrees (feels like 77)
• 12 p.m. Friday 82 degrees (feels like 82)

NWS shared the following guidance on how residents across the Baltimore-Washington area can avoid the effects of the dangerously high temperatures:

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1

Here is the National Weather Service forecast for the week ahead in the greater DC area.

• Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then scattered showers. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Low around 71. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. North wind 7 to 10 mph.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. North wind around 7 mph.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
• Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
• Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
• Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
• Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%