Franchise Opportunities in Washington, DC

A version of this article originally appeared in the weekly weather newsletter, the CNN Weather Brief, which is released every Monday. You can sign up here to receive them every week and during significant storms.

(CNN)By this evening, damaging winds, large hail and even tornadoes will tear through the country's most densely populated region and could raise havoc with the evening commute.

One forecaster from the Washington, DC National Weather Service (NWS) office said on the phone this morning "As far as the coverage of severe weather, today could be the most widespread this season so far."

More than 100 million people will be in the bull's-eye today, as a cold front sweeps through areas including New York City, Washington DC and Philadelphia, just to name a few.

The severe threat has us a little concerned today, to be honest. It's not unheard of to have tornado potential in these areas, but they are much rarer than we see in the Southeast and the Plains.

Just last year, several tornadoes hit around the DC area, and less than two months ago, tornado warnings were prompted in the nation's capital. You may remember the viral video of the DC meteorologist who warned his family on live television when a tornado was bearing down on them.

More than 28 million people are included in today's area of greatest risk, which is a Level 3 out of 5 "enhanced" risk of severe weather. Philadelphia and Washington, DC are both included in today's highest risk.

New York City, Raleigh and Norfolk are all included in a "slight" risk of severe weather, which is Level 2 out of 5.

"Damaging winds appear to be the primary threat, but large hail and a few tornadoes are possible," said the NWS office in Baltimore/Washington, DC.

The storms will occur in several rounds today. The first round will be discrete storms that develop ahead of the main line of storms early this afternoon, anytime between noon and 3 p.m. The pop-up cells can form alone and are not part of a larger line of storms.

"These storms are often the most dangerous and the most likely to produce tornadoes, because they can take advantage of the entire storm environment and energy around them," said CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen. "Storms in a line are competing with other storms around them, which can take some of the energy and disrupt the winds that can cause a tornado."

Most NWS offices noted the risk of discrete cells - storms that form on their own - in their forecast discussions this morning, including New York.

"Any discrete cells that get going could produce large hail or even an isolated tornado," said the NWS office in New York City.

By midafternoon, the cold front will be advancing from the Appalachians and into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, when the second round of severe weather will start moving in.

The risk of severe t'storms over much of our region today is ENHANCED (level 3 of 5). Damaging winds appear to be the primary threat, but hail, a few tornadoes, & flooding are also possible. Remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions late this AM through the afternoon. pic.twitter.com/G4f1NkUO09

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 16, 2022

"These rounds will only be a couple hours apart, so the bottom line is that scattered to numerous severe storms will impact the area this afternoon into early this evening from west to east," said the NWS office in Baltimore/DC.

The severe weather accompanying the cold front will primarily be a wind threat. "Damaging straight-line winds of 55-60+ mph are still the main threat," said the NWS office in Philadelphia.

The cold front will be racing through the large cities during the height of the afternoon commute as well. "Anyone who plans on traveling or being outdoors today should pay extra attention to any watches and warnings, and be ready to seek shelter quickly," said the NWS office in Baltimore/DC.

With storms moving quickly, there is only a slight risk of flash flooding, but with the nature of this event and the expected torrential downpours, be on the lookout for potential flash flooding.

"Rain rates will likely be intense meaning if any areas near or over the urban corridor get hit with multiple rounds this could lead to instances of flash flooding," said the NWS office in Philadelphia.

As the front continues to push eastward, it will slowly weaken. The storms should be pushing offshore during the overnight hours.

Storms are also possible over the country's largest wildfire. But they likely won't bring any rain relief.

The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire is now the largest fire in New Mexico state history and is showing no signs of slowing down.

As of Monday morning, the fire has burned 298,060 acres and 27% contained.

Red flag warnings are in place again today in the area, which means conditions could allow the fire to spread even more.

"Dry lightning with sudden and strong erratic wind shifts from any nearby storm" could lead to rapid spreading or shifting of the fire lines. Winds from storm outflows could gust as high as 60 mph, in addition to a Level 1 of 5 risk for damaging thunderstorm winds with a few of the storms. "Any new or ongoing fires will be very hard to control," the warning said.

Fire weather watches are also in effect across western Texas, where the fire danger will make it into the Level 2 of 3, critical range by Tuesday afternoon.

More than 200 daily record high temperatures are forecast to be challenged over the next few days from the Southwest all the way to the East Coast by midweek.

MONDAY, MAY 16

NEW POP-UP: The Spy Museum adds a new pop-up exhibit to its rotation, showcasing Operación Jacque. The pop-up includes a small collection of artifacts from the hostages rescued from Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in the 2008 operation the museum refers to as Columbian “Argo.” (International Spy Museum; daily through December 31; included with admission to the museum)

CULTURE TALK: The House of Sweden hosts a talk about the logistics behind opening the first-ever Swedish Holocaust Museum in Stockholm. The deputy director for international affairs at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum will join the event to discuss the ways in which Holocaust commemoration is part of a Swedish cultural heritage. (House of Sweden; 7 p.m.; FREE)

WEEKLONG EXHIBIT: Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Central Asia Program at George Washington University with a week of festivities. View the “News from Central Asia” exhibit at the Elliott School of International Affairs . The celebration also includes creative workshops making wearable ornaments and more. (Various times and locations; FREE)

MORE: Elevate Maryland: Live Podcast Recording (Columbia Busboys and Poets’ 6:30 p.m.’ FREE), NLE Choppa (The Fillmore Silver Spring’ 8 p.m.’ $25)

TUESDAY, MAY 17

ARAB LITERATURE: Tune into the Middle East Institute’s virtual DC Arab Literature Festival. Panels explore the works of leading and emerging Arab writers, as well as the challenges of publishing and translating works from the Middle East. There will be two panels Tuesday, one featuring authors at 10:45 a.m. and the next featuring poets at 12:30 p.m. (Middle East Institute; Through Wednesday; FREE)

COOKING DEMOS: Join the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs for another celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — this time with food! The event will feature cooking demos from local chefs, including Wok and Roll’s Qinhhai Zhang, Pho Viet’s Nina Nguyen, and Pogiboy’s Paolo Dungca. (U.S. Navy Memorial Plaza; 6 p.m.; FREE)

PHOTO EXHIBIT: Head to the opening reception for a photo exhibit on the late 19th-century journey of U.S.-based teachers to Argentina, named “An Epic Story.” The exhibit features 45 digitized portraits of the government-hired teachers that were tasked to help build the education system in Argentina. (Embassy of Argentina; 5 p.m.; FREE)

MORE: David Foster with Katharine McPhee (The Birchmere; 7:30 p.m.; $115), D.C. Youth-Led Mayoral Candidates Forum (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; 5 p.m.; FREE), Something Wilder author Christina Lauren in conversation with Ali Hazelwood and Kate Clayborn (Miracle Theatre; 6:30 p.m.; FREE), Kwame Onwuachi In Conversation with Nina Oduro (Sixth & I; 7 p.m.; in-person $18, virtual $12), The Lily Show and The Matthew Presentation (Smitty’s Bar; 7 p.m.; $20), My Place in the Sun author George Stevens, Jr. in conversation with Michael Beschloss (Planet Word; 7 p.m.; FREE), A MetroStage Cabaret with Yvette Spears (The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum; 7:30 p.m.; $25)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

PARK TOUR: Explore the future site of the 11th Street Bridge Park, courtesy of Building Bridges Across the River. On the guided tour, hear an insider’s perspective of the park’s history, design, and progress before it opens. (Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE; 5:30 p.m.; FREE)

PAINT AND SIP: Head to the equestrian-themed H Street NE bar, Hill Prince, for a night of painting, cocktails, mocktails, and more in an event supporting Planned Parenthood of Metro Washington. A ticket gets you one complimentary refreshment and supplies to participate in an artist-led group painting of Georgia O’Keefe’s Red Canna. There will also be a bake sale. (Hill Prince; 6:30 p.m.; $50)

POETRY SERIES: Explore what water means to you through poetry and stories with Waterkeepers Chesapeake. This Busboys and Poets event will occur monthly, with May’s iteration at the Takoma location. This special series of poetry events that explores the right to clean water while celebrating the Clean Water Act 50th anniversary. (Busboys and Poets Takoma; 8 p.m.; $5)

EARLY SCREENING: Are you a big Downton Abbey fan? Head to Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax for a sneak preview of the film Downton Abbey: A New Era. Tickets include a complimentary glass of wine or beer, other refreshments, and popcorn. Plus, it’s for a good cause; Variety DC co-hosts to raise funds for adaptive equipment for children with mobility disabilities in D.C. Maryland, and Virginia. Period dress is encouraged! (Cinema Arts Theatre; 6:30 p.m.; $25)

MORE: Artist in Residence Workshop: Taisha Estrada (The Mansion at Strathmore; 7:30 p.m.; choose what you pay), Michigan Rattlers (Black Cat; 7 p.m.; $15), Andy Hull With Creeks (Jon Simmons of Balance & Composure) (Sixth & I; 7:30 p.m.; $23 in advance), Stand-up Comedy Show (City-State Brewery; 8 p.m; FREE), CiNoMatic Presents: Cool Runnings (Alethia Tanner Park; 8:30 p.m.; FREE), DC Fray’s Free Bingo Series | Feeling Lucky? (as you are bar, 7 p.m., FREE)

THURSDAY, MAY 19

BIRTHDAY PARTY: Celebrate the Southwest Library’s first birthday all weekend. The anniversary kicks off with music, face painting, cupcakes, and crafts at the 3rd and I St. SW park Thursday at 4 p.m. Other festivities include a disco party at the duck pond Friday and a Lansburgh Park block party Saturday. (Southwest Library; Through Sunday; FREE)

FASHION SHOW: The Spring Fashion Fête bringing together Asian American and Pacific Islander designers and small businesses. The Asian American Chamber of Commerce event starts with a vendor market, followed by a fashion show, then a reception with a cash bar and complimentary small bites. (Hotel Zena; $35; 5:30 p.m.)

HANDI-HOUR: Join the Renwick Gallery for the in-person return of the original crafting happy hour. Sip on ANXO Cidery drinks, included in the tickets, while creating your own mini macramé piece. Don’t forget to explore the gallery’s latest exhibition, This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World. (Renwick Gallery; 5:30 p.m., $20)

MOCKTAIL CLASS: Want to learn how to make a good mocktail? Boxwood in Old Town Alexandria has got you covered. Join an interactive workshop to make beautiful spirit-free cocktails with Sam, founder of Umbrella Dry Drinks. (Boxwood; 5 p.m.; $50)

DC PHOTOGRAPHY: See D.C. through the eyes of over 100 local students at the opening reception of the 6th annual “Everyday DC” exhibition at the Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives. The exhibit, featuring images from nearly a dozen middle schools, is a collaboration with DCPS and the Pulitzer Center to challenge students to consider how the city is portrayed in the media. (Charles Sumner School Museum; 4:30 p.m.; FREE)

MORE: Virtual creative writing workshops: Meditating on our roots with Raychelle Heath (Virtual; 7 p.m.; pay what you can), Hello Betty Sneaker Sip & Paint (Hello Betty Bethesda; 6:30 p.m.; $65), Hope Springs! Catalogue for Philanthropy Spring GIVE LOCAL GALA (THEARC; 7 p.m.; virtual; $50), DC Latino Professionals Spring Happy Hour (Rosebar Lounge; 6:30 p.m.; FREE), BYOB Door Mat Painting Workshop (FSC Workshop; 6:45 p.m.; $55), The Last DC Comic Standing Comedy Competition (Library Tavern; 7 p.m.; FREE)

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Foot traffic and the share of office workers throughout the District is still hovering below 40% of pre-pandemic levels, slightly lower than the overall D.C. metro. The 11 Business Improvement Districts in D.C. have just launched an online initiative called Return to DC to get more people back.

“It is a far cry from where we were pre-pandemic. And perhaps we will never get back to 100%, but I think what we want to see is for that number to continue to grow and so that we can begin to see that foot traffic in town that we so desperately need,” said Gerren Price, acting president and CEO of the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District, the oldest and largest of the city’s BIDs.

The initiative is designed to appeal to workers’ memories of their pre-pandemic experiences of being at work in town, to reminisce about pre-pandemic Washington and to build excitement about what is to come.

Daytime D.C. may not be hustling and bustling like it was before the pandemic, but it is no longer a daytime ghost town. Return to DC is a one stop site that aggregates all that is going on, particularly for office workers who have returned.

“Part of what we are looking to do with this campaign is that it is a ‘return to D.C.’ and in a lot of ways a return to city life,” Price said. “We know many folks have been working through the pandemic at home. And we’re really reminding them of all of the great and amazing things that happen when you’re downtown.”

“You can see a number of different events, restaurants that are offering cool and fun specials for happy hours and for local workers. All of that is found (on the website).”

The D.C. BID Council is working in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development on the initiative.

The Return to DC site includes interactive animations retelling stories “that only locals will understand,” resources and tool kits for both employers and employees, and user-generated social media contributions of personal quips and unique stories about going back to work in the office.

It also features a photo album of things happening now, and a photo contest through July 18 with prizes that include gift cars for restaurants, bars, salons and other businesses.

“We know that individual business and government return to work plans vary, but for that reason, we want to remind everyone that it is all of us who make our city so special. D.C. is defined by what happens here, and it is that experience that we can only get when we come together,” said Leona Agouridis, executive director of the Golden Triangle BID and chair of the DC BID Council.

In D.C. Dream Day, we ask our favorite people in the area to tell us how they would spend a perfect day in the District.

After developing an affinity for singing classical repertoire in his late 20s, Tad Czyzewski decided to take the plunge, leave his cozy corporate job at Capital One and pursue a full-time career as a performer — just in time for the stock market to crash and throw the notion of financial security into question.

“Not a great decision,” Czyzewski says. “When I decided to go back [into the business workforce], I didn’t want to go back into corporate. So I mixed my love for the arts and business and went into arts management.”

Singing that new tune, Czyzewski in 2016 became the executive director of Washington’s Choral Arts. Founded in 1965, the Grammy-winning organization boasts a rich history of collaborating with elite artists. The latest such endeavor: the East Coast premiere of “An African American Requiem,” composer Damien Geter’s symphonic response to violence against Black Americans, which Choral Arts will perform May 23 at the Kennedy Center.

Although Czyzewski has been a D.C. resident for over a decade, he says his recent relocation to NoMa has left him discovering the city anew. On his perfect day in the District, Czyzewski finds time for sturdy standbys, new discoveries and everything in between.

I would love to start off with a coffee and bagel on the Spanish Steps in Kalorama. They’re hidden behind the embassy residences and no one knows about them, but there’s a fountain, loads of flowers, and it’s just a great place to spend time. And I’d grab my coffee from Dolcezza, which does a great dulce de leche latte.

I’m a really big supporter of animal rescue, so after breakfast, I’d take some dogs out on an adoption excursion for City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue. Then I’d head to the National Building Museum — I saw an exhibit they did on concrete several years ago, and it sounds so boring, but it truly was one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever seen in a museum. I know there are lots of rooms and galleries that the public never gets to go into, so I’d have a private wander through those things to see what happens behind the scenes.

I recently moved to the H Street area just a few months ago, and right at the end of my block is this amazing Indian place called Indigo. So I’d get lunch there — they just have amazing butter chicken — then spend a lot of the afternoon shopping at Nordstrom Rack off 18th Street. I never like to pay full price for anything, and I can spend hours and hours in there, in every aisle, looking for deals.

I’m a member of the Stonewall Bocce league, and every week several hundred of us descend onto Logan Circle and play bocce for a couple of hours. On my dream day, my team would win the championship — I don’t think that’s going to happen because we’re a little bit inconsistent, but I’m going to include it anyway.

For dinner, I would love to cook with “Top Chef” contestant Carla Hall, who lives here in town. But first, we would meet at Fancy Radish for drinks and have their vegan fondue — I have no idea how they make it, but you would think you’re eating melted cheese. Then we’d head to my apartment, crack open the kitchen and see what we come up with. I have a pretty loud laugh — my friends call it my “opera laugh” — and I can only imagine my neighbors hearing the two of us cackle about things while we cook dinner.

A great, fun part of my job is that most days I’m going out to events to meet with donors or artists, but it means I never have time to finish anything. Right now, I have a stack of New York magazines on my coffee table, and I also have the book “Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Last Interview,” which I’m halfway through. So my dream day would end with me sitting down and finishing all of those things that are unread in my apartment.

NOTE: This article is no longer being updated as of May 16, 2022. Go here for our latest weather coverage.

Thunderstorms, including some that are strong to severe, hit the Washington, D.C., area Sunday and are expected to do so again Monday with heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and possible flooding.

On Sunday, though the severe weather outlook was marginal (threat level one of five), storms cropped up after 4 p.m.

A flood warning is in effect for Fairfax and Prince William counties until 1:30 a.m. A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for parts of Fauquier and Culpeper counties in Northern Virginia as they experienced quarter-size hail. That warning later expired. See all weather alerts here.

Heavy rain could finally move east of I-95 around 8 p.m. But until then, D.C. and parts of Maryland, like Bethesda, Silver Spring and northern Prince George's County should expect to get wet. Conditions could dry out overnight.

By Monday, the risk level will rise to enhanced — threat level three of five, according to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center. Brace for disruptive weather in the afternoon and evening. Severe thunderstorms, damaging wind and isolated tornadoes are the greatest concerns.

Storm Timing on Sunday and Monday

Sunday will be muggy and warm with highs in the 80s. Afternoon sunshine energized storms later in the day.

Showers and storms are possible in the afternoon. Isolated storms could become strong between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Any storms could produce isolated strong wind gusts, hail and heavy rain, Storm Team4 says.

Monday will be partly to mostly cloudy, breezy and warm with highs about 80° to 85°. Spotty showers are likely in the morning.

Numerous severe thunderstorms could hit the D.C. area during the afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service says.

Damaging wind, hail, heavy rain and flooding are possible. There’s also a risk for tornadoes.

This stretch of rainy weather is set to finally clear out on Tuesday. Expect highs near 80° and sunshine.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.