This post has been updated as of January 22.
Snow is in the forecast for the DC area this weekend, with snowfall starting late Saturday, January 24, and continuing Sunday. Accuweather is predicting at least six inches over the weekend, while the Washington Post‘s Capital Weather Gang says most models show an average of seven to 12 inches of snow before turning to freezing rain.
Matthew Carpucci, senior meteorologist at MyRadar, says six inches of snow are very likely for much of the DMV, and some areas could see markedly more precipitation. However, he cautions that it’s challenging to predict snow totals more than two days out, even with the many technological improvements in meteorology.
“I think by the time we get to Friday, we’ll have a really solid idea of just how much snow will fall here and who will get which type of precipitation,” Carpucci says. “But for now, the stage is set for a potentially impactful winter storm.”
According to WUSA Channel 9, a few key ingredients for wintry weather—cold air, strong winds, and precipitation—will be present this weekend. But some factors may lessen the storm’s impact. For instance, the air in the northern region will be relatively dry. Competing elements like dryness versus cold air make it difficult to predict snowfall. Additionally, high pressure in the atmosphere could push the storm south of DC, where, Carpucci says, warmer air could lead to rain, sleet, and freezing rain, rather than snow.
The last significant snow seen in the DC region was in February of last year, when four to eight inches fell. So far, weather experts aren’t warning about the kind of storm we got in January 2016—when the region saw around 17 inches, one of the largest blizzards in the history of the city.
Regardless of how many inches of snow the area sees, it’s going to be the coldest weekend around DC yet this winter, with temperatures not getting above the low 20s. According to Carpucci, area residents can expect travel delays Sunday and Monday and should plan to stay out of the icy winds. He recommends stocking up on essentials to avoid leaving the house.
“Everyone always says [buy] bread and milk,” Carpucci says. “Screw bread and milk; get wine and Oreos. You’ll have a much better time with wine and Oreos.”
