Soaking rains to bring much-needed drought relief for DC, Maryland, and Virginia

WASHINGTON (7News) — 2025 started off with below-average precipitation, leading to an area-wide drought. According to the U.S. Monitor, the drought is considered severe in some cases.

The latest update from Drought.gov shows some improvements with recent rains. However, much of Maryland through Northern Virginia remains in moderate to severe drought.

However, some relief is in sight for the end of the week. A slow-moving weather system will stall out near the Great Lakes, positioning the DMV in an area that will receive several days of beneficial rain.

The Weather Prediction Center has most of the area under a Marginal Risk for heavy rainfall on Friday.

Friday will be more of a washout with widespread rain that could be moderate to heavy at times.

Showers will linger through much of Saturday before ending by Saturday night. This will likely impact the Cherry Blossom Parade, which is set to start at 10 a.m.

Fortunately, while the rain will dampen the parade, this system is not under severe threat, and there are no major flooding concerns. However, always be mindful of low-water crossings that tend to swell after heavy rains.

Model guidance has been consistent with widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain. This will reduce the drought but not eliminate it completely.

Stay tuned to the First Alert Weather Team for updates to this forecast.