Forecast: Ratcheting Up the Humidity

Summer stickiness to build this week

Today's expected wind shift -- coming from the south and southwest, instead of from the north -- will start the ball rolling toward more significant humidity as the week progresses. Generally nice conditions are expected today but clouds return tonight along with a chance of thunderstorms. The possibility of thunderstorms continues each day through the balance of the week as temperatures and humidity climb higher and higher.

TODAY (TUESDAY)

Warming conditions. Storms possible late. Lower 80s. Humidity should not be a big issue today although you may notice it becoming a little sticky during the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to crest in the lower 80s with winds coming from the south and southwest direction by afternoon.

Thunderstorms (50% chance) are a decent possibility tonight. A few of them could be strong with high winds and heavy rain. Average rainfall amounts will range from a quarter to half an inch but locally higher amounts are likely. Lows should be in the 60s throughout the metro area.

Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend. Will storms threaten tonight's game at Nationals Park? See NatCast.

TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY)

More clouds, more humidity, some storms. Middle 80s. Heat and humidity will make more of a splash on Wednesday along with a healthy 50% chance of thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon. Some of these storms could again be strong. Look for highs to reach slightly higher than today into the middle 80s.

Partly cloudy skies along with continued chance of thunderstorms (40%) Wednesday night. Lows should dip into the upper 60s.

A LOOK AHEAD

Thursday and Friday are looking to see a continued build of heat, humidity and thunderstorm opportunities. Thursday, with highs in the middle to upper 80s, has the better chance of storms yet (50%), while Friday has the better chance for more intense heat (upper 80s to lower 90s). There is only a 40% chance of storms Friday Confidence: Medium

The weekend is looking hot and humid with lower 90s and still the continued running threat of especially afternoon and evening storms (30%). The sun should be prevalent most of the time otherwise. Confidence: Medium