Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Record 1 to 4 Inches of Rain Since Thursday as Brief Pause Arrives Before Memorial Day Shower Chances Return
VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND WASHINGTON D.C. — A multi-day rainfall event has delivered 1 to 4 inches of rain across the region since Thursday, with 1.5 to 3 inches the most common range across most areas, pushing May precipitation totals near to above normal across the region before a brief break arrives Sunday.
How Much Rain Has Actually Fallen Since Thursday
The rainfall map tells a clear story of widespread and heavy totals across Virginia, Maryland, and the D.C. metro area.
Rainfall totals since Thursday by location:
| Location | Total Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Bull Run area | 3.53 inches |
| Martinsburg area | 3.36 inches |
| Shenandoah National Park area | 3.37 inches |
| Dale City / Manassas area | 3.20 inches |
| Fredericksburg area | 3.04 inches |
| Baltimore | 3.25 inches |
| Columbia | 3.33 inches |
| Germantown | 2.52 inches |
| Sterling | 2.24 inches |
| Washington D.C. area | 2.65 inches |
| Alexandria | 1.39 inches |
| Frederick | 2.82 inches |
| Annapolis | 1.37 inches |
| Easton | 1.52 inches |
In just the last 24 hours alone, an additional 0.5 to 2 inches fell on top of what had already accumulated since Thursday.
May Precipitation Now Near to Above Normal Across Most of the Region
The back-to-back rainfall days have made a significant impact on monthly totals. Most spots across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. are now sitting at near to above normal precipitation for the month of May.
However, forecasters were clear that despite the impressive totals, plenty more rain will be needed in the months ahead before the ongoing drought can be declared over. One multi-day event, while helpful, does not erase a prolonged moisture deficit on its own.
A Brief Window of Dry Weather Opens Sunday
After days of persistent rainfall, the region is getting a short break Sunday. The pause in rain is offering residents a window for outdoor activities before the next round of moisture arrives.
This break is expected to be temporary and should not be mistaken for a full clearing of the pattern.
Shower Chances Return Tonight and Through Memorial Day
Shower chances are expected to return Sunday night and will continue into Memorial Day Monday. The good news is that the holiday is not expected to be a complete washout.
What to expect for Memorial Day:
- Hit or miss showers rather than widespread heavy rain
- Not a total washout but conditions will be unsettled
- Flexible outdoor plans are strongly advised
- Timing of showers will be difficult to pin down precisely
Drought Relief Progress Remains a Long Road
While the rainfall since Thursday has been impressive and meaningful, the drought across the region is not over. The current event has helped close the gap on monthly precipitation deficits, but the cumulative moisture shortfall built up over previous months requires a sustained pattern of above normal rainfall over the coming months to fully resolve.
Residents should welcome the rain while understanding that more will be needed well beyond Memorial Day weekend before drought conditions are fully eliminated across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for continuing updates on rainfall totals and the Memorial Day weekend forecast across the region.
