Yankees vs. Nationals weather forecast: Will thunderstorms cause rain delay Tuesday (5/15/18)?

The New York Yankees and Washington Nationals open a two-game series on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 (5/15/18) at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. But with a 75% chance of strong thunderstorms this evening, it could be a while before the Yankees get a good look at Nationals slugger Bryce Harper.

UPDATE at 3:46 p.m.: The worst weather is now forecast to start later in the evening, with a 95% chance of thunderstorms at 11 p.m. However there is still at 50% chance of rain when the game begins at 7 p.m.

The Yankees take the best record in the majors (28-12) to Washington, DC on Tuesday for a quick two-game series with Bryce Harper and the Nationals.

However there might not be anything quick about game 1, with thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusty wind in the forecast.

A flash flood watch for the District of Columbia has already been issued by the National Weather Service:

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT …

* The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has expanded the Flash Flood Watch to include portions of central Maryland, The District of Columbia, and northern Virginia, including the following areas, in central Maryland, Prince Georges. The District of Columbia. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria and Fairfax.

* From 3 PM EDT this afternoon through late tonight: A front will sag across the region this afternoon into this evening. A couple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to accompany the front and should move across the Mason-Dixon region late afternoon. These thunderstorms should push farther south and east into eastern West Virginia, northern Virginia and portions of northern Maryland during the evening. Heavy rainfall and lightning will be the main threats with the potential of encountering damaging winds and hail in the strongest thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts could average 1 to 3 inches later this afternoon and this evening. Flash flooding is possible, especially in slow-moving thunderstorms.

* Flash flooding risk is for small streams particularly in urban areas like Baltimore and Hagerstown.

Yankees report cards

Weather.com has a 35% chance of thunderstorms at 6 p.m. It goes up to 50% at 7 p.m., 60% at 8 p.m., 60% at 9 p.m., 70% at 10 p.m., and 75% at 11 p.m.

The weather is associated with a cold front pushing toward the east coast. It’s the same weather system which could trigger severe weather in New Jersey for the evening commute.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.