Washington D.C. Weather Forecast
Scattered Strong Storms Today, Crisp Autumn Skies by Sunday
If you live in Washington D.C. long enough, you know the weather has a personality all its own. Some days it’s moody and dramatic, other days it’s calm and refreshing. This Saturday, September 6, 2025, it’s showing its moody side.
A cold front is sliding into the region, and with it comes a recipe for scattered strong storms. Expect midafternoon to evening showers, flashes of lightning, gusty winds, and even a touch of hail in isolated spots. But don’t despair — the skies won’t stay gloomy for long. By Sunday, the District will bask in sunshine and cooler temperatures, delivering that autumn vibe many of us have been craving.
This forecast isn’t just about whether you need an umbrella today. It’s a story of seasons clashing, storms making their last late-summer stand, and autumn quietly waiting in the wings. Let’s break it all down so you can plan your weekend with confidence.
Today’s Forecast: Storms Brewing in the Afternoon
The morning started cloudy, a signal that the atmosphere is unsettled. Temperatures will rise into the mid-to-upper 80s, and with the humidity hanging in the air, it’ll feel hotter. For anyone running errands before noon, you probably thought: “This doesn’t feel like September at all — more like a stubborn August afternoon.”
But here’s where things shift. As we move into the 2 to 7 p.m. window, the incoming cold front will ignite scattered thunderstorms. These aren’t your everyday pop-up showers — meteorologists warn that some could pack damaging wind gusts and hail.
2 PM – 4 PM: Storms start developing west of D.C., moving into the metro.
5 PM – 7 PM: Peak storm activity. This is the time frame where lightning, strong winds, and hail are most possible.
After 8 PM: Storms lose intensity as the sun sets, but lingering showers stick around into the night.
For commuters, this means the evening rush hour could get messy. If you’re planning a Saturday outing — maybe a Nationals game, a wedding, or dinner on the Wharf — bring that rain jacket and budget extra travel time.
Tonight: Clearing Slowly, Cooler Air Sneaks In
Once the sun dips below the horizon, the atmosphere stabilizes. The fiercest storms fade, but lighter showers may drift across the region overnight.
Here’s the good news: humidity levels will drop as the cold front pushes through. If you’ve been sleeping with the AC blasting, tonight you might just crack a window and enjoy that first real taste of autumn air.
Low temperatures: Upper 50s in the suburbs, low 60s downtown.
Skies: Gradually clearing late at night.
Confidence level: Medium-high.
If you’re a night owl walking through Georgetown or Adams Morgan after midnight, you’ll notice the air feels different — less sticky, more breathable, and almost whispering: “Fall is here.”
Sunday: Autumn Arrives with Clear Skies
Sunday will feel like a completely different world. Imagine waking up, drawing the curtains, and seeing blue skies with crisp sunlight instead of haze and humidity. Temperatures will top out in the low to mid-70s, perfect for a jog along the National Mall, a farmers market stroll, or just sipping coffee on your porch.
Morning: Lingering clouds, maybe a stray shower.
Afternoon: Mostly sunny, breezy, and cooler.
Evening: Chilly — expect upper 40s in outlying suburbs, 50s downtown.
For families planning outdoor activities, this is the green light day. Pack a picnic, go apple-picking in northern Virginia, or take a hike in Rock Creek Park. Sunday is autumn’s way of saying, “Thanks for waiting through the storms, here’s your reward.”
Looking Ahead: A Week of Comfort
Here’s how the first full workweek of September is shaping up:
Monday: Sunny, highs in the mid-70s. The kind of day that makes you want to work from a patio café.
Tuesday: A touch warmer, with some spots hitting the upper 70s. Still clear skies.
Wednesday: Mild, with temperatures hovering in the mid-to-upper 70s.
Thursday: Warming closer to 80 ahead of another cold front.
Friday: Could bring the next round of showers, but confidence is still medium.
Overall, it’s shaping up to be one of those rare, golden September stretches where the weather is consistently pleasant. If you’ve been waiting to plan a hike in Shenandoah or a weekend winery trip in Loudoun County, this is your window.
Weather History: When September Storms Left Their Mark
Washingtonians know September can be tricky. One year, you’re enjoying crisp breezes by Labor Day. Another, you’re mopping up after a hurricane remnant. Let’s revisit two historic storms that hit on this very date:
Hurricane Fran (1996)
On September 6, 1996, the remnants of Hurricane Fran barreled through Virginia and the D.C. area. Rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches flooded the Blue Ridge, while power lines fell across the Beltway. The Potomac River surged over its banks in Alexandria, forcing residents to evacuate parts of the waterfront.
The Washington Post’s front page captured it best: “The remnants of Hurricane Fran shot up the spine of Virginia’s Blue Ridge yesterday, causing widespread flash flooding… and sending the Potomac River over its banks onto Alexandria’s waterfront.”
Tropical Storm Hanna (2008)
Twelve years later, Hanna brought record-breaking rainfall. Over 3.5 inches fell in one day, making it the wettest September 6 on record. Roads turned into rivers, creeks overflowed, and one fatal accident underscored how dangerous tropical remnants can be even far from the coast.
Lessons from the Past
Both storms are reminders that September in D.C. sits at a meteorological crossroads. Summer hasn’t completely surrendered, hurricane season is still active, and autumn is knocking at the door. That clash can spark chaos.
Why This Forecast Matters for D.C. Residents
A stormy Saturday followed by a cool, clear Sunday isn’t just a weather curiosity — it impacts everyday life. Here’s how:
Commuters: Expect delays today. Metro riders should be ready for slippery platforms, while drivers face poor visibility.
Families: Outdoor events may need backup plans today, but Sunday is perfect for playgrounds, festivals, or brunch patios.
Businesses: Restaurants with outdoor seating may take a hit today, but Sunday will more than make up for it.
Health: For people sensitive to air quality, today’s haze and storms may irritate asthma or allergies, while tomorrow’s crisp air offers relief.
FAQs: Washington D.C. September Weather
Q: Is September usually stormy in Washington D.C.?
Yes. September sits at the overlap of hurricane season and autumn’s arrival. This means we often get tropical remnants, sudden cold fronts, and big swings in temperature.
Q: Will the storms today be dangerous?
Some may produce strong winds and hail, but widespread severe weather isn’t expected. Stay weather-aware, especially between 3–7 PM.
Q: When does fall weather truly settle in?
Climatologically, mid-to-late September is when average highs drop into the 70s. This week looks like an early preview of that pattern.
Final Thoughts: Storms Today, Serenity Tomorrow
Think of this weekend as a metaphor for the seasons. Today, summer makes its last dramatic stand with storms, wind, and humidity. By tomorrow, autumn walks in quietly, steady and refreshing.
If you’re in Washington D.C. this weekend:
Carry an umbrella today.
Crack a window tonight.
Plan something outdoors Sunday.
Because in the rhythm of weather, storms are temporary, but cool, clear days — those are the ones worth savoring.
About the Creator
Omasanjuwa Ogharandukun
I'm a passionate writer & blogger crafting inspiring stories from everyday life. Through vivid words and thoughtful insights, I spark conversations and ignite change—one post at a time.
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