NoVA, DC Weather: Hazardous Thunderstorms Possible This Evening

STERLING, VA—Showers and thunderstorms could hit some areas of Northern Virginia and DC Wednesday afternoon into the evening, and some have the potential to become severe, says the National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington office.

The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Fredericksburg, Spotysylvania, Stafford and other central Virginia counties. The watch means scattered gusts up to 70 mph, lime-sized hail and frequent lightning could happen. The rest of the DC region is under a hazardous weather outlook with potential for regular thunderstorms. Forecasters add "isolated severe thunderstorms with damaging winds will be possible."

Forecasters expect a slightly higher risk for severe storms in southern Maryland and parts of central Virginia. A NWS map includes Fredericksburg in the slight risk area.

The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang says rising humidity creates the potential for thunderstorms into early Wednesday evening, but forecasters don't expect many severe storms. "Limited sunshine may reduce the amount of energy available for storm development, resulting in fewer and less intense storms," states the CWG forecast.

The NWS has not issued a severe thunderstorm warning at this time. A watch means severe weather is possible, while a warning means severe storms are expected and residents should take shelter.