May 28, 2026

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed parts of the Mid-Atlantic — including portions of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania — in a risk area for scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The primary hazard is strong to severe wind gusts in the 50 to 65 mph range, strong enough to snap tree limbs, send unsecured outdoor items airborne, and cause localized power outages. Isolated hail is also possible with the stronger cells.

An upper-level trough moving southeast from the Great Lakes into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic is driving today's activity. A frontal zone with dewpoints in the upper 60s to lower 70s°F will destabilize through the afternoon, with storm clusters expected to develop by late afternoon and move east-southeastward. Households in western Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, the mountains of West Virginia, and central-western Pennsylvania should bring in loose patio furniture before midday and make sure phones are charged.

Delaware and the District of Columbia are on the edge of the risk area. Showers and thunderstorms are likely across the region today with highs near 80°F, but the strongest severe-capable storms are expected farther west.

No active wildfire incidents, disaster declarations, or major infrastructure disruptions are reported across the Capitol Region today. Power grids are operating normally. No river flooding is currently reported.

If today's thunderstorms deliver on the wind-damage potential, scattered power outages are possible this afternoon and evening, particularly in areas with mature tree canopy near overhead power lines.

No active public health advisories specific to the Capitol Region. Air quality is within normal ranges across all six jurisdictions.

At the national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has two active Health Advisory notices. The first, issued May 19, concerns an Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The risk of spread to U.S. households is considered low. The second, updated May 18, monitors an Andes virus (hantavirus) cluster linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic. No confirmed U.S. cases have been reported, and the domestic risk remains extremely low. Neither advisory requires household action beyond general awareness.

The Weather Prediction Center's Day 2 outlook flags a marginal risk of excessive rainfall across portions of the central and southern Plains for Friday. The stalled trough pattern may continue to feed rounds of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend for parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on Monday, June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its 2026 season outlook on May 21, forecasting a below-normal season: 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. A developing El Niño pattern is expected to suppress Atlantic tropical development. While encouraging, even quiet seasons can produce landfalling storms — preparation matters regardless of the forecast. Households in the coastal and tidal areas of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware should review their hurricane preparedness kits before June 1.

This is a good week to check that your go-bag has current medications, your important documents are in a waterproof container, and your household has a communication plan for reconnecting if family members are separated.