Forecast: Stormy End to Week

Clouds, wind & rain likely through Saturday

*Wind Advisory until midnight east of D.C.*
*Gale Warning until 6 a.m. Friday for tidal Potomac, Chesapeake Bay*
*Coastal Flood Advisory until 6 a.m. Friday for tidal Potomac, western Bay shore*

In light of the ideal early fall weather over the last week, the next few days of unsettled weather will be all the more unwelcome for many. A strong coastal area of low pressure will push towards our region -- perhaps acquiring some tropical characteristics -- and will bring thick overcast skies along with rain and wind today and tomorrow. Lingering clouds and showers will probably stay with us on Saturday, though -- fingers crossed -- Sunday's weather may be more conducive to outdoor activities.

TODAY (THURSDAY)

Windy; rain developing. Low-to-mid 60s. No matter how early you wake up, you'll likely rise to overcast skies and breezy conditions. Rain should overspread the area from SE to NW during the late morning or early afternoon hours. During this time, winds from the northeast will increase to 15-25 mph with some higher gusts (especially to the east) possible to 40 mph. Rain and low clouds will hold afternoon highs only in the low-to-mid 60s, while the wind will make it feel even chillier.

Conditions tonight will be unpleasant, with overcast skies, bands of showers and occasionally heavier rain, and continued gusty winds of 15-30 mph. Temperatures will remain nearly steady in the low 60s. Rainfall totals by Friday morning will probably be in the 0.5-1" range -- with the highest amounts to the south and east. Totals should not approach those from tropical storm Hanna.

Confidence: Medium-High

Keep reading for the -- at times, rainy -- forecast through the beginning of next week. See also NatCast for the final game of the season.

TOMORROW (FRIDAY)

Periods of rain. Near 70. Friday's conditions will resemble today's, though won't be as disruptive. For starters, rain should be more intermittent. Secondly, wind should be much less noticeable -- generally near 10 mph. It will also be a tick warmer, with afternoon highs near 70.

Do be sure to bring an umbrella with you if you leave the house Friday night since some showers may linger, with overnight lows in the mid 60s.

A LOOK AHEAD

If you're hoping for nicer weather on Saturday, you may have to look elsewhere. Our pesky area of low pressure will continue to provide overcast skies with periodic showers throughout much of the day. It will be milder, still, with afternoon highs in the mid 70s. Occasional showers may linger into Saturday evening with overnight lows again in the mid 60s. Confidence: Medium

Hold your breath if you're expecting much in the way of sunshine on Sunday. Mostly cloudy skies with widely scattered showers will probably typify the first part of the day. The second half of the day should be dry, but it will still be mostly cloudy. But a few peeks of sunshine may help afternoon highs head to near 80. It will be partly cloudy and dry Sunday night with lows in the mid 60s. Confidence: Medium

The outlook for Monday calls for...drum roll, please...the return of sunny and dry conditions. Afternoon highs will again be within a few degrees of 80. Overnight lows should settle into the low 60s in most places. Confidence: Medium