Mia Boykin
Eastern Texas is bracing for some of the worst weather conditions to continue for approximately 24 hours. As the remnants of Hurricane Beryl move inland, its effects will be felt far beyond Texas, reaching into the Ohio Valley and Northeast. These areas can expect high humidity levels and increased rainfall from thunderstorms.
The storm’s impact has been severe in Texas, with at least one fatality reported so far. Wind gusts have reached alarming speeds, with reports of 75-95 MPH wind gusts slamming into neighborhoods. Power outages have skyrocketed as a result of these hurricane-force winds. Over 1.8 million electrical customers in Texas have lost power, according to Centerpoint Energy’s outage page, and this number continues to rise as the storm progresses inland.
Here in D.C., we won’t be seeing anything nearly as severe as Texas, but It’s important for residents to remain weather-aware throughout the week, especially as storm chances increase. The combination of high heat and humidity will make the air feel oppressive and uncomfortable, potentially causing breathing difficulties for some individuals.
Rain chances are set to increase throughout the week, with Friday showing the highest likelihood of rain and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts could potentially exceed 1 inch on that day. The aftermath of Beryl will come in the midst of a D.C. heatwave, as Mayor Bowser declared a heat emergency early on July 8.
The upcoming weather patterns share characteristics common to extreme rainfall events, including high moisture levels and an approaching weather system. With afternoon temperatures expected to reach the 90s, the warmer air will be capable of holding more moisture, a crucial factor in heavy rainfall. The duration of these conditions in one area directly correlates with the severity of the rainfall.
Heat index values, or “feel like” temperatures, are forecasted to peak between 100 and 105 degrees. This combination of heat and humidity calls for appropriate precautions and planning, particularly through Wednesday. Residents of the DMV area should be on the lookout for flash floods, and take precautions to stay safe in the heat.
