Washington, D.C. receives around 1,050 mm (about 41 inches) of rain a year, fairly evenly spread across the seasons, with both winter nor’easters and summer thunderstorms contributing meaningfully to the total. The Potomac River and its tributaries running through the capital have a documented flood history, and the city’s historic Georgetown waterfront and low-lying areas near the National Mall have flooded during major storms in the past. Summer convective storms can be intense, occasionally bringing damaging wind alongside heavy rain that overwhelms the city’s aging drainage system. Because both slow river flooding and fast summer storms matter here, radar is most useful for tracking the faster-developing local cells. NWS Doppler radar KLWX (Sterling, VA) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Washington right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Washington, District of Columbia in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Washington, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Washington rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Washington?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over District of Columbia are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Washington or pass by.
Is this Washington rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.