Key Takeaways
- A surge of cold air is expected to arrive in the D.C. region on Thursday night, bringing temperatures down to the upper 10s and lower 20s.
- Measurable snowfall is expected in the D.C. region early Friday, with a potential accumulation of up to 1 inch in D.C. and 2 inches in areas south and east of the District.
- The National Weather Service is forecasting snow to start between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday, with steady activity between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- The steep temperature drop means any snow that falls will stick around until temperatures warm back to the 40s on Saturday afternoon.
- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated the city’s first Extreme Cold Alert of the season, and the District Snow Team will be salting streets on major D.C. roadways beginning Thursday night.
Introduction to the Winter Weather
A surge of cold air is set to arrive in the D.C. region on Thursday night, setting the stage for measurable snowfall in the area early Friday. This cold front is expected to bring temperatures down to just the upper 10s and lower 20s, which is low enough to allow any drizzle or rain to fall as snow. According to 7News First Alert meteorologists, a low-pressure system will arrive in the mid-Atlantic after it moves across North Carolina and southern Virginia, making it cold enough for snow to fall in the D.C. region.
Snowfall Expectations
The potential for snowfall in the D.C. region is significant, with a dusting of snow expected in D.C. and slightly higher snowfall expected in areas south and east of the District. Around 2 inches of snowfall is forecast from Culpeper, Virginia, to Waldorf, Maryland. It’s worth noting that the last measurable snowfall in D.C. in the month of December was back in 2017, with 2 inches at Reagan National Airport, according to 7News. This snowfall is expected to start between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday, with steady activity between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., and is expected to taper off in the afternoon.
Temperature and Road Conditions
The steep temperature drop means any snow that falls will stick around until temperatures warm back to the 40s on Saturday afternoon. Snow or no snow, it will be very cold on Friday, with wind chills pushing temperatures down into the 10s and 20s all day. Road conditions could be slick on Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service, and the District Snow Team will be salting streets on major D.C. roadways beginning Thursday night. Residents are advised to stick with WTOP Traffic for the latest on roadway conditions and to check the full list of closings and delays on WTOP’s Closings and Delays page.
Preparations and Alerts
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated the city’s first Extreme Cold Alert of the season, which is in effect starting at 8 p.m. Thursday and lasting until 9 a.m. Friday. The mayor has also activated the District Snow Team, which will be working to keep the roads safe and passable. Residents are advised to bundle up and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during the cold weather. Several school districts in the D.C. area have already announced changes to their operations, with Culpeper County Public Schools opening on a two-hour delay and Spotsylvania County Public Schools closing entirely.
Full Forecast
The full forecast for the region is as follows: Thursday evening will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 28-36 degrees and winds from the northwest at 5-15 mph. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy to cloudy, with lows ranging from 22-29 degrees and winds from the north at 5 mph. Friday will be a winter alert day, with morning snow showers and highs ranging from 30-35 degrees. The snow is expected to taper off by noon, and the rest of the day will be cloudy. Saturday will be partly sunny, with highs ranging from 41-45 degrees, and Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with highs ranging from 41-46 degrees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the D.C. region is expected to experience a surge of cold air on Thursday night, bringing with it the potential for measurable snowfall on Friday. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe, and to stay up to date with the latest weather forecast and road conditions. The District Snow Team will be working to keep the roads safe and passable, and several school districts have already announced changes to their operations. With the potential for slick road conditions and cold temperatures, it’s essential to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during the winter weather.