The National Weather Service says the worst of the heat — the heat index is currently 102 degrees — is happening in mid-to-late afternoon.
From NWS:
Weather
Arlington County firefighters are responding to a two-alarm blaze at a restaurant in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood.
The second alarm was sounded just before 4 p.m.
Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch tonight.
Forecasters say severe storms are “likely” late this afternoon and early this evening.
Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 10 p.m. tonight.
The National Weather Service says that isolated severe storms with gusty winds and heavy rains are possible.
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Update at 5:55 p.m. — A Flash Flood Warning has also been issued for the area, through 8:45 p.m.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
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Arlington County and some surrounding areas are under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning through 9 p.m. tonight.
The National Weather Service says a storm producing high wind gusts is heading toward the area from the west.
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“SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO TONIGHT. THE MAIN THREAT IS DAMAGING WIND WITH LARGE HAIL AND ISOLATED TORNADOES ALSO POSSIBLE. THE GREATEST RISK WILL BE BETWEEN 6 PM AND 10 PM…ESPECIALLY ACROSS VIRGINIA AND THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA.”
Earlier: Arlington and the D.C. region is under a Flash Flood Watch tonight.
Arlington and the rest of the D.C. area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
A line of storms is expected to reach the area around 5 p.m. The watch is in effect until 10 p.m.
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(Updated at 7:50 p.m.) The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Arlington County and surrounding areas.
From NWS:
There is a good chance of rain or storms each day of this week, through Friday.
Normally May is one of the more pleasantly sunny and warm months of the year in the D.C. area. Except for a brief period of warmth today, high temperatures this week will struggle to break out of the 60s.
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The tornado-like weather phenomenon happened around 4 p.m. at Quincy Field, near Arlington Central Library, during an Arlington Babe Ruth baseball game, we’re told.
A witness said the whirlwind sent spectators and players scurrying for cover.
The National Weather Service says wind gusts up to 50 mph could cause scattered damage and freezing temperatures in the 20s could kill sensitive plants.
The one-two punch of wintry weather follows bouts of snow showers across the area this morning.