Snow expected for DMV Sunday with extreme cold moving in
Moderate to heavy snow expected for DMV Sunday
It will be a sure sign that winter is still here today as a low pressure system to our south taps into moisture and brings us a day of moderate to heavy snow. Rain and a wintry mix will be the onset of the precipitation in the District and some areas South and Southwest of D.C. before it changes to snow, while North and Northwest counties will see it start as snow where colder air is already entrenched in place.
Sunday weather
WASHINGTON - It will be a sure sign that winter is still here today as a low pressure system to our south taps into moisture and brings us a day of moderate to heavy snow.
Rain and a wintry mix will be the onset of the precipitation in the District and some areas south and southwest of D.C. before it changes to snow, while North and Northwest counties will see it start as snow where colder air is already entrenched in place.
By early to mid-afternoon, it will be all snow except for lower southern Maryland and the northern Virginia neck. A possible 2"-4" will coat D.C. and areas within the Beltway. The heaviest snowfall of about 4" to 6" will be north and northwest, over the mountains and north of I-70.
A Winter Storm Warning is in place with 4" to 6" forecast for the warned area and a Winter Weather Advisory forecast for 1" to 3" — D.C. is in the advisory area. The snow will cause hazardous conditions on roads and untreated surfaces and travel will be difficult.
The other factor today is the cold. Temperatures will continually drop throughout the day as the Arctic airmass settles in. Windchill — the "feel like" — will be in the teens. Winds increase from the northwest tonight.
Overnight lows will result in a refreeze and dangerous black ice — be cautious!
What time will it start snowing in DC?
Timeline:
Snow is expected to start by mid-morning sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. That will taper off to flurries by the early evening hours, sometime between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Winter storm warnings & watches
What we know:
A winter storm warning is in effect starting at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday for parts of north central, northern, and western Maryland, northern and northwest Virginia, and panhandle West Virginia. This includes areas like Hagerstown in Washington County, Western Loudoun, Frederick, MD and Frederick, VA.
The winter storm warning is currently set to expire at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Heavy snow and gusty winds are expected in the warning area, with total snow accumulation of up to six inches of snow.
A winter storm watch is in effect all day Sunday for parts of northern, northwest, and western Virginia and eastern West Virginia. In Maryland, NW Montgomery Counties. In Virginia, Eastern Loudoun, Fauquier and northwest Prince William Counties.
In both the Warning and Watch areas the hazardous conditions will impact travel especially on untreated surfaces. Gusty winds will affect visibility and could bring down tree branches.
Inauguration Day weather
Timeline:
Skies will be clear on Monday, but don't be fooled by the sunshine. Frigid cold Arctic air will produce dangerous wind chills. Highs will be in the 20's but it will "feel like" single digits and at times below freezing. Winds on Monday will be from the West 15-20mph gusting to 30mph. The lower the wind chill temperature, the greater and faster the risk for developing frostbite and/or hypothermia.
Here are some of the forecast Windchills on Monday
9:00 a.m.: 9°F
11:00 a.m: 7°F
12 p.m.: 7°F
1:00 p.m.: 8°F
3:00 p.m.: 7°F
5:00 p.m.: 6°F
8:00 p.m.: 3°F
9:30 p.m.: 2°F
The Arctic air mass will stay in place through Wednesday as will the dangerous wind chills.