Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for parts of VA, MD; DC sets record high on Fourth of July
DC Weather: Thunderstorms sweep through DMV on July 4
The National Weather Service has issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for large parts of the DMV, some cells spitting out hundreds of lightning bolts in minutes.
WASHINGTON - Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued for large parts of Virginia and Maryland on the Fourth of July, while the rest of the region was under an Extreme Heat Warning on Saturday.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
The National Weather Service issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for large parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia on Saturday evening.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued for Baltimore City and parts of Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Howard counties until 7 p.m.
Parts of Stafford, Prince William and King George counties are under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings until 6:30 p.m., as well as areas further south, including Fredericksburg.
The following areas are under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings until 6:45 p.m.
- Southeastern Washington County, MD
- Southwestern Frederick County, MD
- Northwestern Loudoun County, VA
- Frederick County, VA
- Jefferson County, WV
- Berkeley County, WV
Additionally, the entire Washington, D.C. region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m.
Dig deeper:
Increasing heat and moisture are fueling the potential for thunderstorms, with the best chance arriving from mid‑ to late afternoon. Most storms are expected to move out in time for evening fireworks, but the thunderstorms could develop quickly, bringing lightning and brief heavy rain.
The heat dome that has gripped the Washington, D.C., region for days pushed temperatures to 100 degrees on Saturday, tying the District’s record high for the Fourth of July.
Fourth of July in DC marked by extreme heat, afternoon thunderstorm threat
The Fourth of July holiday in Washington, D.C. was marked by extreme heat and the threat of afternoon thunderstorms.
D.C. organizers canceled the National Independence Day Parade in D.C. because of the extreme heat and delayed public entry for the Salute to America program on the National Mall until 5 p.m. Cities and towns across the region have postponed or pushed back parade and fireworks start times due to the dangerous conditions.
On Friday afternoon, the Great American State Fair on the National Mall closed around 1 p.m. and reopened at 5 p.m. as temperatures eased.
FOX 5 will continue Fourth of July coverage on FOX Local, including parades, flyovers and tonight’s fireworks display for those unable to make it downtown or looking to avoid the extreme heat.
Washington DC extreme heat wave prompts Fourth of July weather warnings
An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 9 p.m. this evening, with dangerously hot conditions expected across the region. FOX 5's Tucker Barnes says heat index values could reach 110 to 115. The warning covers Washington, D.C., along with portions of central, north‑central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, and central, northern and northwest Virginia.
Fourth of July Heat & Storms Timing
Morning (through noon)
Hot and increasingly cloudy; heat index already climbing.
Afternoon (noon–5 p.m.)
Heat peaks near 100°; heat index up to 110. Storm chances remain low but begin to build.
After 5 p.m.
Showers and thunderstorms likely; some could be severe.
Early evening (6–9 p.m.)
Storm coverage increases; lightning risk may impact outdoor events and fireworks staging.
Late evening (9 p.m.–midnight)
Storms remain possible; heavy downpours and strong gusts in any severe cells.
Before 2 a.m.
Showers and thunderstorms likely; isolated severe storms still possible.
After 2 a.m.
Isolated showers linger as storms weaken.
Overnight lows
Around 75° with mostly cloudy skies.
Washington DC extreme heat wave prompts Fourth of July weather warnings
The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service.