PM Update: Elsa passes tonight, with heavy rain and gusty winds focused east of Washington.

* Flash flood watch for the District and eastern part of region through Friday morning | Tropical storm warning and tornado watch for Calvert and St. Mary’s counties *

Steaminess aside, today ended up a nice respite from the recent days of high heat. Temperatures were held back somewhat by all the clouds. Highs in the mid-80s are a bit below normal as we wander through the hottest time of year. Showers and storms that erupted midafternoon are a sign of things to come tonight but Tropical Storm Elsa will be gone before we wake up.

Through Tonight: Showers or a light rain are increasingly likely this evening as Elsa moves this way. While showers are possible anytime after 6 p.m., they should be most numerous between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., give or take.

The heaviest rain should generally be east and southeast of Interstate 95. There will be increasingly little rain the farther west one goes. General rainfall totals will range from just around a tenth of an inch in our western areas to as much as two or three inches in Southern Maryland. Some spots in Calvert and especially St. Mary’s counties could even see a bit more than that, which may lead to flash flooding.
((I'm in Calvert; MAY check the level @ creek tomorrow.))

Overnight temperatures will drop to the upper 60s and lower 70s. Winds will be out of the south and southeast around 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Stronger gusts, perhaps topping 30 mph, will be a risk toward the Chesapeake Bay and Southern Maryland. Winds should shift to out of the northwest late at night once Elsa passes to the north.

Tomorrow (Friday): Elsa will be long gone by morning, moving past New York around sunrise. Skies will be rather sunny in the morning, but we will see more clouds develop with time. Scattered afternoon storms could be strong, with the potential for some small hail. Highs will be around 90, with the humidity making it feel hotter.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/07/08/pm-update-elsa-passes-tonight-with-heavy-rain-gusty-wind-risk-focused-east/?