Sunday, July 13, 2025

As the D.C. region braces for another sweltering weekend, torrential rain and severe storms are sweeping through the area. The continuing heat storm, and heavy rains, have travelers rushing for cover and the region managing road flooding, power outages and the possibility of more severe weather. The area’s humidity is keeping soaring, so it feels about 5 degrees warmer than the readings. Here is a closer look at what travelers are encountering in the inclement traveling conditions and what you can expect if you are traveling to or out of Washington D.C. in the next few days.

The heavy rainstorms led to flooding in multiple spots on Saturday, notably in Fairfax County, Va. (Where flood warnings were in place until 1:45 a.m. Sunday. Vienna and Reston were particularly hard hit, with streets inundated to the point that many cars could not pass. And travelers trying to get in and out of the region were detained in traffic as the waters rose with amazing speed.

Fairfax County, which encompasses the thriving Tysons Corner and vicinity, has suffered greatly from these storms. There are over 500 customers remaining without power in the area, according to Dominion Energy. Although Pepco is reporting few outages in Montgomery County, the loss of power is just another layer of travel hell as hotels and businesses deal with the storm’s aftermath.

, keep in mind that some roads still have standing water in parts of the area. WTOP meteorologist Mike Stinneford said creeks and streams will take a while to recede. The damage from such severe weather is adding even more strain on infrastructure, and commuters should check local traffic forecasts before they leave home.

The heat remains a sore spot, too, with a Heat Alert now having been issued for the D.C. region through Sunday morning. oppressive humidity could make temperatures feel as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Travelers interested in viewing the city should take extra care to prevent heat-related illness while out and about.

There could also be delays and cancellations for people taking public transportation, as stormy weather tends to mess up bus and metro schedules. Visitors can take steps to stay hydrated and plan indoor activities, when possible. Seek out cooling centers around the city for a little relief as well. Online in D.C. The city offers an online map to help D.C. residents find its cool spots, plus temporary shelters, especially for folks without air conditioning.

The punishing conditions are expected to last through Sunday, with temperatures in the upper 80s to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But later on in the afternoon, isolated thunderstorms will start to bubble up, and a few may be locally intense with torrential rain. Matt Ritter, a meteorologist at 7News, cautioned that some of the storms may be slow-moving and “pack a punch.” Travelers need to remain cognizant of any severe weather alerts as these storms will disrupt a flight schedule and traffic in and out of Washington D.C.

If you are traveling through D.C. on Monday, there will be a chance of scattered thunderstorms later in the day. Anticipate highs in the upper 80s to near 90, and muggy. Tuesday may bring respite from the sweltering heat for some, with travelers warned to still be on the lookout for some patchy thunderstorms. Highs will be the upper 80s to lower 90s, and humidity will do so too.

Check the weather reports regularly for updates on new flood warnings or heat alerts. Stay updated with your local news and reliable seismic activity reports.

Do not attempt to cross flowing streams and never drive through flooded roadways. If you come across an area that is flooded, particularly in silver or Reston, turn around and find another route. Consult Waze or Google Maps for alternate routes.

D.C. as cooling centers where you can go cool off from the heat. To find the center nearest you, go to the Web site.

Travel Light and Hydrate Bring water and wear light, breathable clothes to stay cool. Try to bring along an umbrella or raincoat as there may be some scattered showers and thunderstorms through the weekend.

If you’re flying in or out of D.C., keep in mind that because of the weather, there may be delays. The best advice is to get to the airport early and see if your status changes.

Hopping around D.C. on an extreme weather day may be tough, but here’s how to make it easier for yourself. For those traveling on the Metro, expect weather-related delays to cause train services to run late. Real-time service updates are available via the D.C. Metro’s website and app. You might consider scheduling your trip around weather patterns, particularly if traveling in the afternoon or evening, when storms are typically brewing.

If you are driving, remember that flooding can lead to road closures and delays. As always, continue following local traffic reports and stay off any streets that flood. It’s always best to make the detour than risk attempting to drive through water.

If you are in a hotel or an Airbnb rental, make sure there is backup power in the event of an outage, or know where you will go if the heat becomes too much.

Tuesday may offer a bit of a respite from the heat, but travelers should beware of temperatures that will continue to tickle the upper 80s and lower 90s. And for travelers grappling with the headaches of extreme weather, as always, keeping up with weather conditions and having a contingency plan can be a game changer.

For more on D.C. weather or to locate cooling centers near you, visit the National Weather Service and D.C. Government websites. Be safe and plan ahead so you can get the most out of your day in the nation’s capital.