Make sure to bundle up if you’re heading outside Friday as snow falls in the D.C. area for the first time in December since 2017.
It’s the first snow of the season, though winter doesn’t technically start for two more weeks.
A surge of cold air overnight into Friday brought temperatures into the low 20s, with wake-up temperatures not raising by much. The day’s high temperature will max out in the low to mid 30s.
WTOP Meteorologist Mike Stinneford reports most of the D.C. region “will see anywhere from a dusting to 2 inches of snow,” with up to 3 inches in the forecast for areas in the southern suburbs.
“Light snow is now covering most of our area,” he said. “Most of the accumulation continues to be along and south of the Interstate 66/Route 50 corridor.”
Snowy conditions, he said, will taper off to flurries and freezing drizzle by the late morning hours.
Untreated roads will become slick during the morning rush, and any slush left on the road by the evening will freeze and turn into icy patches. Stay with WTOP Traffic for the latest on roadway conditions.
“Generally, there’s some spinning snow … and a slight white coating on top of the ground,” WTOP’s Kyle Cooper said as he reported on road conditions outside Waldorf, Maryland. “Just take it easy out there this morning.”
In unplowed parts of Culpeper County, Virginia, Neal Augenstein reports snow totals are approaching about an inch.
After the wintry mix, conditions will stay cloudy and overcast throughout the day. Anticipate patchy fog conditions by Friday night.
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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.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the city’s first Extreme Cold Alert of the season Thursday. The alert lasts until 9 a.m. Friday. The mayor also activated the District Snow Team, which began salting streets on major D.C. roadways Thursday night.
The sun makes a slight return come Saturday, although the day will be cold as temperatures start in the 20s and hit a high in the low 40s. Anticipate light winds across the region.
The NWS forecasts the high pressure moving in will keep the weekend dry and seasonably cool.
FORECAST
FRIDAY: COLD ALERT & WINTER ALERT
Mostly Cloudy; Morning Snow
Highs: 30-35
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
The first snow of the season is expected for many, as a system skirts to our south. This is a conversational snow for the DMV with accumulations up to 2″ in spots like Culpeper, Fredericksburg, and Waldorf. The D.C Metro area could see up to an inch of snow with only flurries likely in our far northwest zones. With such cold air in place, any snow will stick on untreated surfaces and could cause slick roadways. The timing is mostly this morning with lingering snow and mixed precipitation over southern Maryland through early afternoon.Keep updated with our latest weather blog here.Dry weather is expected for your evening plans, but watch out for patchy fog to develop and continue to mindful of slick or icy roadways.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy & Cold; Patchy Fog
Lows: 22-30
Winds: Light
Freezing cold weather is expected overnight, so watch for any slick spots. There is also the chance for patchy fog, which could limit visibility and also create icy patches, as well.
SATURDAY: Partly to Mostly Cloudy
Highs: 40-45
Winds: Southwest 5 mph
Morning temperatures in the 20s will give way to a cold afternoon with highs, remaining below average, on either side of 40 degrees. Dry weather is expected. We hope you’ll consider joining the 7News family for our annual Toys for Tots drive at the Iwo Jima War Memorial in Arlington from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
SUNDAY: Partly to Mostly Cloudy
Highs: 42-46
Winds: Light and Variable
It will be another freezing cold start to the day with highs, remaining below average, in the low to mid 40s. With relatively light winds and no precipitation expected, the weather should be fine for your outdoor plans.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
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