Despite temperatures climbing into the 60s Monday, the season’s first bit of snow could be swirling through the area on Wednesday.
Storm Team 4 meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts estimated the odds of some snowfall at 60 to 70%, although she was quick to add that there wasn’t much chance of any serious accumulation.
Ricketts said Monday’s warmth will be followed by a cold front that began in Alaska. While the winds will lighten on Tuesday, highs will only be around 40.
Wednesday is when the fun begins. Ricketts said there would be “a couple of systems coming our way,” combining to likely bring some rain and snow in the morning.
She forecast “some minor accumulation on the roads, probably north and west,” on Wednesday morning. Grassy areas could get up to an inch in some areas, Ricketts said, adding, “We could have a few early problems for the morning commute on Wednesday.”
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Any snow that falls won’t last long: Highs on Thursday will reach the 40s; on Friday, the 50s.
That’s the view on Monday; as usual, Ricketts said, it’s best to keep an eye on developments.
Meanwhile, D.C. is getting ready. The District Snow Team will start treating roads, including Interstates 295 and 395, starting at 7 p.m. Monday, which also when the District’s hypothermia alert will be turned on. This is due to the forecast expected to have wind chill values in the upper 20s. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in asking residents to make sure they are prepared for what could be the city’s first snowfall of the season.
Forecast
Monday night: Showers before midnight, windy and turning colder. Gusts of 30-40 mph expected with a 40% chance of rain. Winds northwest at 15-30 mph and lows between 30 and 36.
Tuesday: Partly to mostly cloudy and cold with a light breeze. Chance of rain or snow is 0% with winds from the northwest at 5-15 mph. Highs between 40 and 45.
Wednesday: Cloudy, cold and wet, with wet snow likely before noon. Periods of light rain later with up to an inch of D.C.-area snow. Chance of precipitation is 80% with winds from the northeast at 5-10 mph. Highs between 35 and 40.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy and still cold, with a light breeze and no chance of rain. Winds southeast at 4-8 mph and highs between 38 and 48.
