Soggy to Sunny

Now

Showers, cool. Heavy rain at times today has given way to lighter showers and drizzle this afternoon in most of the Washington metro area. Radar shows the heavier showers retreating eastward of I-95 near Washington and I-83 north of Baltimore.

Of the 3 major regional airports, National has the least amount so far with just over ½" by late afternoon, bringing the monthly total of around 3" close to the long-term average for the whole month of October. BWI has the most with almost an inch. Accumulations were somewhat higher to the west at Frederick and Hagerstown, which are now both over 1".

With the heavier clouds moving eastward, some breaks in the overcast are apparent west of the Blue Ridge. Temperatures are generally within a degree or two of 60°.

CapitalWeather.com chart from NWS data, photo © Kevin Ambrose

Tonight and Tomorrow

Gradual clearing, becoming warmer. A few showers and some drizzle and fog will linger through this evening. Lows tonight will be in the mid to upper 50s with clouds beginning to decrease toward morning. Tomorrow will be mainly sunny, especially in the afternoon, and warmer, highs in the mid 70s.

For the outlook through the rest of the week, scroll down to Jason's post below.

Mediarology: Aviation and El Niño

The deadliest aviation accident in history occurred in 1977 when two fully loaded jumbo jets collided, killing 583 passengers and crew. The crash was weather-related, but it happened on the ground. The PBS science series NOVA investigates the circumstances tonight (8pm on WETA 26 and WMPT 22).

NPR's "Living on Earth" interviewed Dr. Kevin Trenberth, Head of the Climate Analysis Section at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, on El Niño last Friday. A transcript and podcast are available on the show's website. The program is broadcast on WETA 90.9 FM, Tuesdays from 10pm to 11pm.