After experiencing milder temperatures yesterday, Wednesday’s 50-degree temperatures have been replaced with January-like conditions and near freezing temperatures. For tonight, (mainly between 7pm and 3am) there is a likely chance for accumulating light snow showers. While accumulations will be minimal (dusting to an inch), there is no guarantee roads will be safe. After sunset, below freezing temperatures will likely produce slippery conditions and several slick spots. Proceed with caution before hitting the road tonight and early tomorrow morning.
Through Tonight:
Cloudy skies during the remainder of the evening. Low temperatures remain steady in the lower 30s and upper 20s with light 5 mph wind speeds. Salt your driveway! Snow flurries will continue to fall across the area until early Friday morning. Snowfall accumulations will include a half of an inch to an inch for the DC region. Locations north and far west of the District will most likely receive 2 to 3 inches of snow.
Most likely snowfall for MD/VA regions between Thursday at 1pm until Friday at 10am, courtesy of NWS Sterling Winter Weather page
Tomorrow (Friday):
Partly sunny and chilly! High temperatures will peak to the lower 30s. Throughout the day, increasing 8-13 mph wind speeds could accompany gusts of up to 20 mph. Gusty winds will make it feel like 20 degree temperatures. This polar outbreak continues into the night, with temperatures dropping into the 20s and wind chill temperatures in the teens.
A look elsewhere:
The snow for our area is nothing compared to what California’s Sierra Nevada mountains are seeing. An “atmospheric river” (thin plume of moisture) is acting like a fire hose while producing heavy amounts of continuous precipitation for California. Some locations in the mountains have received 3-4 feet of precipitation. By next week, the mountains will possibly experience up to 8 feet of snow. Flooding, landslide, and avalanche warnings are already in effect. Read and see more on The Weather Channel.