DC, Baltimore: Midweek Soaking to Precede Dry End to October

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

October 27,2015; 9:10PM,EDT

 

 

Soaking rain and gusty thunderstorms have been absent from the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas much of this month, but that is not the case for the middle of this week.
A potent storm system, which has tapped into moisture from once-Tropical Rainstorm Patricia, is allowing the most significant rainfall in weeks to pour down into Wednesday evening.

Major Travel Delays Wednesday for the Northeast

Rainfall will generally total 1-2 inches with locally higher amounts.
"Localized flooding is also possible in low-lying and poor drainage areas with the heavy rain over a short time period," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyson Hoegg. That is especially true where leaves are covering storm drains. The combination of leaves and wet roads will also create slick conditions for motorists.
RELATED:
Detailed Washington, D.C. Forecast
Washington, D.C. Interactive Weather Radar
AccuWeather MinuteCast® for Washington, D.C.
There is also concern for a thunderstorm with damaging winds to accompany the system's cold front through the area Wednesday evening.
Despite any flooding and disruptions to travel and outdoor plans, the rain will be beneficial. Washington, D.C., has only measured 0.03 of an inch from Oct. 10 to Oct. 26.

The passage of the front will sweep away the steadier rain for Thursday, but the arrival of the noticeably cooler air will not come until the night. As a result, the return of some sunshine and gusty southwesterly winds will help boost temperatures back into the 70s.
Once the cooler air finally works into the area, slightly below normal temperatures are expected Friday into Saturday as an area of high pressure builds overhead.
A lack of rain for Halloween Saturday evening will definitely be good news for trick-or-treaters.