Storms, Heat, and Then Fall: Unstable Weather Pattern in Washington This Weekend

Stay prepared for Washington, D.C.’s unpredictable weekend weather. Expect strong storms, a brief heat wave, and cooler autumn-like conditions. Get the latest updates and tips to navigate this unstable weather pattern.

9/6/20251 min read

Weekend in Washington, D.C.: Strong Storms, Cooler Air, and the Arrival of Fall

Cloudy skies and strong storms this Saturday

On the morning of Saturday, September 6, 2025, dense clouds are already covering Washington’s sky. A cold front is moving in and is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms, with potential for strong winds and even hail, from mid-afternoon through the evening.

Estimated timeline:

Afternoon until sunset: scattered showers and thunderstorms, some strong.
Overnight: lingering rain through early Sunday morning.

Sunday: clear skies and milder conditions

After the brief atmospheric turmoil, drier and cooler air will move in. Forecasts point to clear skies and more comfortable temperatures on Sunday — a true sign of fall’s arrival.

Climate Context: Historic August and September with an Autumn Feel

August sets records: coldest and driest in 25 years

Last month recorded the driest August on record in Washington, with only 0.2 inches of rain — exceptionally low. It was also the coldest August in 25 years, with an average temperature of about 75.8 °F (24.3 °C), 3.6 °F below the historical average.

September expected to follow the trend

Experts forecast an unusually cool and dry September: average temperatures near 70 °F (21 °C), compared to the usual 72.4 °F (22.4 °C), and only about 1.5 inches (38 mm) of rain — far below the historical average of nearly 4 inches (100 mm).

Brief warm-up before cooler air returns

Despite the cooler outlook, models show that the days leading up to Saturday could reach highs in the upper 80s °F (27–29 °C), possibly near 90 °F (32 °C), before cooler, drier air returns early next week.

Early September: pleasant nights and low humidity

In the first days of the month, the capital experienced comfortable daytime temperatures, low humidity, and cool nights, with lows between 58 °F and 66 °F (14–19 °C). This marked the start of a more stable pattern.

Quick Weekend Forecast

Saturday Strong afternoon/evening storms; risk of wind and hail.Highs near 90 °F (32 °C).

Sunday Clear skies, cooler and more autumn-like.Mild, around 70 °F (21 °C).