Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Watch Issued for DC and Surrounding Counties
As winter continues to make its presence known, residents in Washington D.C. and the surrounding counties are being warned to brace themselves for some challenging weather conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for most of the area from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. tonight, as well as a winter storm watch for northern Fauquier, northwest Prince William, Loudoun, northwest Montgomery, and northwest Howard counties. It’s time to dust off those winter coats and get ready for some snow!
Today’s weather is looking fairly pleasant, with a rating of 8/10 on the daily digit scale. The day will start off mainly sunny, with minimal wind and temperatures ranging from 43 to 49 degrees Fahrenheit. However, clouds are expected to roll in later in the day, signaling the arrival of snow. But don’t worry, this snow is said to be “polite” and conveniently passing overnight.
The forecast for tonight predicts the development of snow, which could become heavy at times overnight. Low temperatures will range from 29 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowfall is expected to add up to several inches by Saturday morning, with 1 to 3 inches likely across the area. The highest accumulations, around 2 to 4 inches, are predicted just north of downtown Washington. But don’t fret too much about the snow sticking around for long. As temperatures rise over the holiday weekend, the snow will quickly melt away.
The winds from the northwest may gust near 20 mph today, creating a slight wind chill that will make temperatures feel slightly cooler than they actually are. Breezy and sunny conditions will accompany each other during the morning and early afternoon, but as clouds take over in the late afternoon, the breezes should calm down.
The first flakes of snow are expected to fall between 9 p.m. and midnight tonight. While a few spots far west of town might see some light snow by the tail end of the evening rush, most of the region will have to wait until later in the evening for the snowfall to begin. Initially, precipitation may start as rain or a rain-snow mix, mainly south of the District and into Southern Maryland. However, it should quickly turn into all snow. The snowfall could be quite heavy for an hour or two during the pre-dawn hours, with a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour and reduced visibility below half a mile. Roads are expected to become snow-covered and slick, so caution is advised.
Saturday morning may see light snow lingering a little beyond sunrise, possibly until mid-morning before skies gradually clear. The wind will also pick up, gusting near 30 mph from the northwest. Afternoon temperatures should reach the upper 30s to lower 40s, but it’s important to note that the wind chills will make it feel around 10 degrees colder than the thermometer readings.
Tomorrow night is predicted to be mainly clear and calming, allowing low temperatures to dip into the chillier 20s for most spots. Some places may even experience temperatures in the teens. Any remaining snowpack will contribute to colder temperatures, and any wet or slushy spots on roads and sidewalks may freeze, so it’s best to be cautious of icy patches.
By Sunday, the snow will be history as skies become mainly sunny again. Breezes will be tamer from the southwest, attempting to stay below 20 mph gusts. Most areas should be able to reach high temperatures in the mid- to upper-40s. It seems like winter will be taking a break for Presidents’ Day and Tuesday, with more sunny than not conditions and mild winds. High temperatures are expected to continue rising near 50 to the mid-50s.
In terms of snow potential, the forecast for the next week shows an 8/10 rating. It is likely that most areas will accumulate at least an inch of snow tonight, with the typically snowier locations potentially seeing 4 inches or higher amounts.
So, get ready to bundle up and prepare for some winter weather in the Washington D.C. area. Stay safe on the roads, keep an eye out for icy patches, and enjoy the beauty of the snow before it melts away.
