Despite a few breezes on Saturday, Mother Nature provided precious little relief on what was an exceptionally hot and humid day.  After the highest minimum temperature ever recorded for August 4 (79 degrees), the mercury shot up to 96. Dew point values in the 70s made Washington feel very tropical.  Thunderstorm activity was widely scattered with most of the storms occurring well north of the capital. 

Today is similarly sticky and hot, but breezier - with winds gusting to 25 mph - and will ultimately be wetter: The likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe, is 70 percent starting late this afternoon.  Thunderstorms could linger into early Monday before partly cloudy and somewhat cooler conditions prevail.  Highs on Monday could remain in the mid 80s and dew points could begin to drop into the 60s.  Tuesday looks to be the best day in the coming week with mostly sunny skies, highs in the 80s and somewhat drier air.  Thereafter, today's anticipated cold front should begin to retreat and will gradually return us to hotter and more humid air by midweek.  

Find a cool spot and enjoy the rest of your weekend!