Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for parts of VA, MD; DC sets record high on Fourth of July

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued for large parts of Virginia and Maryland on the Fourth of July, while the rest of the region was under an Extreme Heat Warning on Saturday.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

The National Weather Service issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for large parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia on Saturday evening.

Parts of Stafford, Prince William and King George counties are under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings until 6:30 p.m. , as well as areas further south, including Fredericksburg.

The following areas are under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings until 6:45 p.m.

• Southeastern Washington County, MD
• Southwestern Frederick County, MD
• Northwestern Loudoun County, VA
• Frederick County, VA
• Jefferson County, WV
• Berkeley County, WV

Additionally, the entire Washington, D.C. region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m.

Increasing heat and moisture are fueling the potential for thunderstorms, with the best chance arriving from mid‑ to late afternoon. Most storms are expected to move out in time for evening fireworks, but the thunderstorms could develop quickly, bringing lightning and brief heavy rain.

The heat dome that has gripped the Washington, D.C., region for days pushed temperatures to 100 degrees on Saturday, tying the District’s record high for the Fourth of July.

D.C. organizers canceled the National Independence Day Parade in D.C. because of the extreme heat and delayed public entry for the Salute to America program on the National Mall until 5 p.m. Cities and towns across the region have postponed or pushed back parade and fireworks start times due to the dangerous conditions.

On Friday afternoon, the Great American State Fair on the National Mall closed around 1 p.m. and reopened at 5 p.m. as temperatures eased.

FOX 5 will continue Fourth of July coverage on FOX Local, including parades, flyovers and tonight’s fireworks display for those unable to make it downtown or looking to avoid the extreme heat.

Fourth of July Heat & Storms Timing

Morning (through noon) Hot and increasingly cloudy; heat index already climbing.

Afternoon (noon–5 p.m.) Heat peaks near 100°; heat index up to 110. Storm chances remain low but begin to build.

After 5 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms likely; some could be severe.

Early evening (6–9 p.m.) Storm coverage increases; lightning risk may impact outdoor events and fireworks staging.

Late evening (9 p.m.–midnight) Storms remain possible; heavy downpours and strong gusts in any severe cells.

Before 2 a.m. Showers and thunderstorms likely; isolated severe storms still possible.

After 2 a.m. Isolated showers linger as storms weaken.

Overnight lows Around 75° with mostly cloudy skies.