Showers and thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon hours as a cold front approaches from the northwest. Some storms may become severe, containing strong winds, periods of heavy rain, hail and frequent lightning. The front should pass by late evening before stalling along the coast. Thunderstorm chances will diminish overnight.

Quieter conditions are expected tomorrow with highs in the lower to middle 80s. All eyes are on Hurricane Irene and her progress toward the Atlantic coast. Chances are good that she will be upgraded to a Category 4 today, with winds exceeding 130 miles per hour. At this point, models indicate a rough weekend for the Delmarva beaches, breezy conditions for the D.C. metro with scattered showers and thunderstorms.

Stay with ABC7, News Channel 8, Weather Now and WJLA.com for additional updates.