Storm Team4 forecast: Heat wave begins near 90° in DC, Maryland and Virginia

4 things to know about the weather:

1. The heat is on!
2. Close to 90° Tuesday
3. Records likely Wednesday & Thursday
4. Cool, showery Sunday

An impressive April heat wave arrives Tuesday.

High pressure near Bermuda will pump unusually warm air out of the south and into the Mid-Atlantic leading to record, or near record, high temperatures.

Most of the D.C. metro area will get close to 90° Tuesday afternoon and perhaps over 90° Wednesday and Thursday. Those would not only be daily records, but they could potentially reach 95°, which is the all-time record high for the month of April. D.C. has reached 95° in April four times. The last time was April 17, 2002.

In addition to the heat, dry conditions combined with high pollen counts and breezy afternoons will have allergy sufferers reaching for their medicine.

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Heat wave ends next week

A weak cold front will approach the area on Friday and could wring out a shower or two. More importantly, it will cool things off a bit. Highs on Friday should still reach the low 80s while Saturday will warm back to the mid-80s.

A much stronger cold front will arrive on Sunday and finally bring this heat wave to an end. Temperatures in the 60s and showers on Sunday will be followed by sunshine and highs in the 50s on Monday. Let’s hope we get a good soaking of rain on Sunday. We need the moisture and it might be our best chance at rain until the end of next week.

QuickCast

TUESDAY:
Mainly Sunny
Unseasonably Hot
Breezy Afternoon
Wind: Southwest 14-28 mph
Chance of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 85° to 90°

TUESDAY NIGHT:
Fair Skies
Steady Breeze
Remaining Mild
Wind: Southwest 5-15 mph
Chance Of Rain: 0%
LOWS: 62° to 68°

WEDNESDAY:
Partly Cloudy
Records Highs Likely
Breezy Afternoon
Wind: Southwest 14-26 mph
Chance of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 88° to 94°

THURSDAY:
Mostly Cloudy
Records Highs Likely
Breezy Afternoon
Wind: Southwest 12-24 mph
Chance of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 88° to 94°

FRIDAY:
Mostly Cloudy
A Bit Cooler
Isolated Shower Possible
Wind: Southwest 10-20 mph
Chance of Rain: 20%
HIGHS: 80° to 85°

Sunrise: 6:33      Sunset: 7:44
Average High: 68°  Average Low: 48°

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