Severe storms possible later today; big chill coming

The Storm Prediction Center has central and eastern Virginia under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon, with strong winds, an isolated tornado, and hail being the main threats. I’m not sold that we will see anything widespread, as the high resolution short range forecast models aren’t very bullish on a lot of storm activity, but any storms that do develop would be in an atmosphere conducive for them to turn severe.

After tomorrow, a big chill arrives over much of the eastern U.S. that could last through mid-April. I can’t rule out a freeze Tuesday or Wednesday night, with overnight lows touching the freezing mark and highs only in the 50s much of next week.