Washington, D.C. – A mid-January warm-up is expected to bring periods of rain across much of the Mid-Atlantic, while increasing the risk of freezing rain and slick travel conditions in colder inland areas as temperatures fluctuate near freezing.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the Mid-Atlantic region is favored to see above-normal temperatures during the January 9–13 period, with precipitation trending near normal. This pattern supports rain as the primary precipitation type across coastal and urban corridors, while colder air lingering inland could allow for mixed precipitation at times.
Interior and northern sections of the Mid-Atlantic, including central and western Pennsylvania, western Maryland, and portions of West Virginia, face the highest risk for freezing rain, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Even light ice accumulation could create hazardous travel on Interstate 68, I-81, and secondary mountain roads.
Farther south and east, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and much of New Jersey and Delaware, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as rain, leading to wet roadways and reduced visibility during heavier showers. Brief nighttime cooling could still allow isolated slick spots on bridges and overpasses.
Travelers are encouraged to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions and allow extra time for commutes during the period. Additional advisories may be issued as confidence increases closer to mid-January, especially if colder air lingers longer than expected across interior portions of the Mid-Atlantic.
