Forecast: Showers & Storms, Then a Chilly Blow

* Later: Solar Storms - A Threat to Civilization? *

EXPRESS FORECAST

Today: A.M. Showers/t'storms, then partial clearing. 64-68. | Tonight: Breezy and colder. 36-40. Tomorrow: Partly cloudy, windy, and cool. 49-53. | A Look Ahead

FORECAST IN DETAIL

The week begins with a bang with a potent cold front sweeping a line of showers and thunderstorms through the area this morning. Then, temperatures begin to tumble tonight with early March-like coolness in the region through Wednesday. More seasonable 60s return Thursday through the weekend, although rain is a possibility Friday into the first part of Saturday. So Thursday and Sunday hold the most promise of being nice, spring-like days in the coming week.

Today (Monday): Bring the umbrella for your return to work. An area of showers and thunderstorms is likely to roll through the region between about 7 a.m. and noon. Heavy downpours and some gusty winds are possible as this area of rain passes through. Rainfall totals should range from about 0.5-1". During the afternoon, most of the rain should end (although across the Bay, where a few severe storms may develop, the activity may last through mid-afternoon), with skies becoming partly sunny. High temperatures should be in the mid-to-upper 60s. Confidence: Medium-High

Tonight: The cold air behind today's front will steadily stream in on increasing winds from the northwest (to about 15-20 mph by morning). Lows will dip into the mid-30s in the colder suburbs to near 40 downtown. Confidence: Medium-High

Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend....

Spring flowers yesterday afternoon near George Washington University in the District. By CWG photographer Ian Livingston.

Tomorrow (Tuesday): A cold pool of air will have settled over the region with temperatures about 10 degrees below average. After some morning sunshine, clouds will increase in the afternoon, with an isolated shower possible (20% chance, and mostly northwest of town). Highs will be around 50 but gusty winds from the northwest at 15-25 mph will make it feel closer to a wintry 40 degrees at times. Confidence: Medium-High

Tomorrow Night: A freeze is a pretty good bet in the colder suburbs where temperatures will bottom out in the upper 20s to near 30. Inside the beltway, it will probably (60%) remain at or slightly above freezing due to some clouds and a lingering breeze. But if skies clear and winds relax enough, a large part of the metro area may see a freeze (40% chance). Confidence: Medium

A LOOK AHEAD

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin yesterday afternoon. By CWG photographer Ian Livingston.

It remains breezy and cold on Wednesday, with highs again struggling to reach 50. We should have a little bit more sunshine and slightly lighter winds compared to Tuesday though. Under partly to mostly cloudy skies, freezing temperatures return to the colder suburbs Wednesday night, with lows near 30. In town, temperatures should stay at or above freezing. There's a slight (20%) chance of some light precipitation towards morning as a warm front flirts with the region. Confidence: Medium-High

The cool air mass starts to lose its grip over the area on Thursday, with partly sunny skies, light winds, and highs around 60. Partly cloudy at night, with lows in the 40s. Confidence: Medium

On Friday, a weak cold front will move through the region, likely producing some showers -- especially in the afternoon. Highs should be in the mid-60s. Showers continue overnight, with lows 45-50. Confidence: Medium

Showers may linger into Saturday morning, but the sun may return by afternoon, with seasonable highs in the mid 60s. Confidence: Low-Medium

Partly to mostly sunny skies seem like a decent bet for Sunday, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s. Confidence: Medium