Low clouds are seen across the area, banked up against the eastern ridges of the mountains, this afternoon. (NASA)

4:00 p.m. update: Clouds that were broken over western parts of the area this morning thickened for most of the day as an onshore flow strengthened a bit more than anticipated. While we didn’t expect much in the way of sun, the marine layer has kept the area on the cool side and mostly below forecast high temps. Places just west of the eastern ridges of the mountains and into southern Pennsylvania saw sunshine most of the day with highs around 60. So close! With the marine layer now well entrenched, the odds of fog and drizzle are up tonight and into tomorrow morning. Some of both should impact at least portions of the area and maybe everyone. Be on the lookout as we get past sundown and into late evening.

FORECAST IN DETAIL

Temperature Map

Temperatures: Latest D.C. area temperature map. See interactive map on our Weather Wall.

As long as you’re not expecting a lot of sunshine, this should be a mostly passable weekend when it comes to outdoor activities. Similar to this time last week, we’re staring down a few days of temperatures near or above normal, but a cold shot looms.  For now that cold air doesn’t look as intense as the last batch, though it will keep our recent temperature seesaw going for sure.

Today (Saturday): Overnight showers and light rain may still be exiting early in the morning, but we should dry out as the sun rises. Otherwise, lots of clouds, and maybe a few periods of sunnier times. Highs should make the mid-50s to low 60s, probably ending up rather tightly bunched somewhere in that range, but a bit dependent on cloud cover. Winds from the southeast blow around 5 mph. Confidence: Medium-High

Tonight: With dew points around or above 50, we won’t be dealing with a very chilly night. A bit of a break might be nice? Lows generally fall near that mark, or around 50 to the low 50s, most spots. Winds are light from the southeast. A risk of a few showers (20% chance) may present itself along with some drizzle as well. Confidence: Medium-High

For related traffic news, check out Dr. Gridlock. Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend…

Tomorrow (Sunday): Fan of clouds? You’ve got a good day ahead! Winds from the south pick up a bit, and that helps transport in warmer air. Despite the gray, we should see highs rise toward the mid-60s around the area. There could be showers around early and again by afternoon, so we’ll stick with about a 30% chance of such. Confidence: Medium

Tomorrow night: Shower odds go up as the front advances toward the region, but likely focused on the after midnight into dawn range. Another mild one — almost muggy? — as south winds continue to pump moisture into the area. Lows mainly reach the mid-50s, maybe upper 50s downtown. Confidence: Medium

A LOOK AHEAD

Showers, perhaps accompanied by gusty winds, continue to be likely into at least early Monday morning. It does appear we’ll try to trend clearer and drier by midday if not prior. Depending on when the front clears and how much sun we see, there should be a temperature spike to at least the mid-60s and maybe closer to 70. By late afternoon or evening cooler air should become more noticeable on a northwest breeze. Confidence: Medium

Temperatures are back below average on Tuesday, with highs struggling to somewhere around 50. Add in gusty northwest breezes and you’ll want some layers plus a jacket. On the bright side, we should see a good deal more sun than in the days leading up. Confidence: Medium