Chilly morning gives way to sunshine and lower 70s in DC; rain moves in Wednesday

Washington will start Tuesday on the cool side, with a crisp morning that feels noticeably cooler than the days ahead. Southerly winds are expected to strengthen through the day, drawing warmer air into the region and allowing afternoon highs to climb into the lower 70s across the District.

Sunshine should dominate most neighborhoods Tuesday afternoon, making for a pleasant window for outdoor activity. Conditions will be milder than early-morning readings, and urban areas such as Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Navy Yard should see comfortable daytime temperatures and light breezes through the afternoon.

Late-night clouds and milder overnight lows

Cloud cover will increase late Tuesday night as moisture arrives from the south. With the southerly flow continuing overnight, temperatures will not fall as far as they did this morning; lows are forecast to remain in the 50s rather than dropping back into the 40s in much of the city.

That milder night means late-evening events and commuters should expect less of a chill than this morning, though overcast skies could make the air feel damper by dawn.

Rain returns Wednesday

Forecasters anticipate the next weather system to bring periods of rain into the region on Wednesday. Timing and intensity may vary, but most of the wet weather is expected during the daytime hours, which could affect morning and afternoon commutes, outdoor work, and scheduled events.

City agencies and event organizers should monitor updates as potential pockets of heavier rain could lead to short-term travel delays. Those with outdoor plans on Wednesday may want to have a backup location or a rain plan in place.

In short, Tuesday offers a pleasant warm-up after a chilly start, while Wednesday will be noticeably wetter. Check the latest forecasts before heading out for events or commute planning.