DC Area Winter Storm Forecast: What to Expect

The main concern revolves around a storm system developing ahead of a cold push. Initially, temperatures will be too warm for snow, likely starting as a rainfall event on Sunday. As a surface storm pushes eastward into the Atlantic, colder air will fill in, potentially changing the rain to a mix and then to wet snowfall, especially Sunday night.

The exact location of accumulating snowfall is difficult to predict. An inverted trough may lead to a narrow band of heavier snowfall. Model consistency has been poor, making it difficult to have a firm grasp on potential snowfall amounts. Multiple pieces of atmospheric energy are involved, increasing the chance for forecast errors. Be prepared for potential school closures and delays on Monday morning, depending on the storm's final track and intensity.

Saturday looks to be the best day of the weekend with partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures in the low to mid 50s. Rain is expected to develop early Sunday morning with wet snowflakes mixing in (especially for areas west of DC). By Sunday evening everyone should see some wet snow.

Will this be a major snowstorm like the one in late January?

No, temperatures will not be as cold, and "snowcrete" is not expected. The snow will be wet, and some will likely melt due to ground temperatures.

The weather app says it will be in the 40s on Sunday. How can it snow?

Weather apps typically show the high temperature for the day. Through dynamic cooling, temperatures can cool as cooler air moves in behind the storm system.

When will the snow most likely fall?

Sunday afternoon and particularly the evening hours.

Do you think this storm will bring significant snowfall to the DC area? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!