The Washington, D.C. area is poised for a wintry week ahead, as meteorologists forecast two possible chances for snow driven by incoming storms. Following a weekend that brought a light dusting of snow to some western counties and over an inch of rain to Dulles Airport in Northern Virginia, residents are preparing for another bout of chilly weather.
The first system is expected to move into the region by Wednesday. As a coastal storm develops, it could bring a mix of rain and snow. Forecasters note that the exact impact remains uncertain, as it will depend largely on the storm’s trajectory. If the storm veers further offshore, it might result in minimal precipitation, primarily affecting the interior Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. Conversely, a more easterly track could cover much of the mid-Atlantic and southeastern New England with snow late in the week.
The National Weather Service predicts that rain will begin in D.C. and surrounding areas on Wednesday, transitioning to a mix of rain and snow overnight into early Thursday. However, forecasters from the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang express caution, indicating that the likelihood of significant snowfall on Thursday is diminishing. They also mention a second storm that could bring snow on Saturday, but again stress that variability is high and snow accumulation predictions are not yet available.
With temperatures expected to dip significantly after midweek, Thursday night could see lows in the upper teens to low 20s. Highs will struggle to reach low 50s on Wednesday before cooling to the lower 30s by Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Northern Virginia is as follows:
– Monday: Sunny, high near 45.
– Tuesday: Sunny, high near 50, with a low around 39 at night.
– Wednesday: Cloudy with a 30% chance of rain, high near 50, transitioning to rain and snow likely in the evening with a low around 28.
– Thursday: Morning snow likely, then partly sunny, high around 34.
– Friday and Saturday will see cooler temperatures, with highs only reaching the low 40s.
As the week progresses, residents should stay updated on changing forecasts which could affect their plans and ensure they are prepared for fluctuating weather conditions. The chance for snow may bring a picturesque winter landscape, encouraging outdoor activities like snowball fights and building snowmen, if accumulations allow.