Potomac, Maryland 7 Day Weather Forecast

Wx Forecast - Wx Discussion - Wx Aviation

518
FXUS61 KLWX 051753
AFDLWX

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
153 PM EDT Sun Apr 5 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
The cold front is making good progress through the area, with
the backside of the precip shield eroding quickly as dry air
advects in. Cooler and more sunshine for this evening.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1) Early Spring Freeze Possible Tuesday Night, otherwise dry
  conditions expected for the entire week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGE 1...Early Spring Freeze Possible Tuesday Night,
otherwise dry conditions expected for the entire week.

The strong cold front is steadily moving through the area this
afternoon. Precip has come to an end west of the Blue Ridge, with
clouds quickly clearing over the Shenandoah Valley as of 2PM. This
will progress east through the late afternoon as much drier air
advects into the area. A mix of sun and clouds with cooler temps in
the 50s to low 60s this evening.

High pressure quickly traverses the area Monday, then a series of
reinforcing cold fronts cross the region through mid week. This
keeps temperatures below normal, especially Tuesday night into
Wednesday morning where widespread freezing temperatures are likely
along and west of US-15. Temperatures moderate by the end of the
week into next weekend, with temps going from the 50s Wednesday to
70s on Friday, and near 80F next weekend. Dry conditions expected
for the entire upcoming week with the next chance of rain possible
next weekend.

NWS Baltimore/Washington is planning on starting the 2026 growing
season at its normal date of April 11 for areas along/east of I-81.
However, we will coordinate with partners and surrounding NWS
offices to our north/east to determine if a slightly earlier start
is needed to capture the freezing temps Tuesday night.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
VFR conditions have returned to the area as rain slowly comes to an
end from west to east this afternoon. High pressure builds over the
region, with reinforcing cold fronts through the rest of the
upcoming week. Northwest winds gusting around 20-25 knots are likely
Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

&&

.MARINE...
A strong cold front is moving across the local waters this
afternoon. Behind the front northwest winds are expected to remain
elevated, with SCA conditions through tonight. A lull in winds is
likely Monday morning, then winds increase again Monday afternoon
when additional SCAs might be needed. A reinforcing cold front moves
through the region Tuesday, and that could bring another round of
SCA conditions. High pressure toward the end of the work week likely
brings sub-SCA winds.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Dry conditions are expected for the next week, with no rain in the
forecast Monday through Friday. Gusty northwest winds are expected
each afternoon Monday and Tuesday as a series of reinforcing cold
front moves across the region. This is going to keep temperatures on
the cool side, with highs in the 50s to 60s. Minimum RH values on
Monday drop to 25-35 percent, with the lowest values in Central VA.
The broad half inch of wetting rain received today will suppress any
fire weather issues on Monday.

Tuesday looks to be the most fire sensitive day this week. It is
possible that very dry air mixes down to the surface, which would
result in much lower RH values than currently forecast. Minimum RH
values are forecast around 20-30 pct Tuesday, with the lowest again
in Central VA. However, RH values could be as low as 15-20 pct based
on model probabilities. Northwest winds are forecast to gust around
20-25 mph Tuesday afternoon.

&&

.LWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
DC...None.
MD...None.
VA...None.
WV...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM EDT Monday for ANZ530>532-535-
     536-538>540.
     Small Craft Advisory until 10 AM EDT Monday for ANZ533-534-537-
     541>543.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...KRR
AVIATION...KRR
MARINE...KRR