DC: Deficits Continue

Now

Warm, a little more humid. Weak southerly flow both aloft and at the surface east of the low pressure area stuck over the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley is bringing in slightly more humid air this afternoon. Temperatures in the mid 80s and dewpoints in the low to mid 60s are not oppressive for late July, however. Shower activity is extremely spotty through the entire Mid Atlantic region.

Tonight and Tomorrow

Warm, humid, slight chance of showers. Humidity will continue to gradually increase through tomorrow. After a slight chance of showers through this evening, lows tonight will be in the upper 60s to near 70° downtown and in the mid 60s in the 'burbs. Tomorrow will be a little warmer with highs 86-90° and a slight chance (20%) of afternoon or evening thundershowers.

For the outlook through the rest of the week and into the weekend, scroll on down to Dan's post below.

Precipitative Poverty

The 60-day map of precipitation percentage of average from the National Weather Service shows widespred areas of 25-50% (dark orange) across the region. Through central Loudoun Co., much of southern Maryland, and the Northern Neck of Virginia, red areas indicate only 10-25% of average.

Tropical Topix

The National Hurricane Center has implemented a new Experimental Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook.

Yesterday's WaPo Federal Diary reviewed the recent management turmoil at the National Hurricane Center. Diarist Stephen Barr astutely notes, "the NOAA team found that problems at the hurricane center run deeper than any concerns about [ousted former Director] Proenza." The agency report says,

"Simply replacing the director will not resolve the center's workplace issues. If staff morale and long-standing organizational issues are not addressed, they will hinder the center's longer-term ability to accomplish its mission."

Mediarology

The Weather Channel's "Heat Week" continues tonight on Abrams and Bettes and Evening Edition.