Weather
Mid-Atlantic Weather Alert: Cooler Air, Rain Chances Oct. 17-21
Washington, DC – A noticeable temperature change could affect portions of the Mid Atlantic this weekend as warmer midweek conditions give way to cooler afternoons and chilly overnight temperatures. So
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-12T11:01:15.483Z
Washington, DC – A noticeable temperature change could affect portions of the Mid Atlantic this weekend as warmer midweek conditions give way to cooler afternoons and chilly overnight temperatures. Some inland communities could see temperatures approaching freezing by Saturday night, October 17.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, the latest 6 10 day temperature outlook, issued Sunday, October 11, favors below normal temperatures across eastern portions of the Mid Atlantic from Saturday, October 17, through Wednesday, October 21.
The outlook includes much of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and portions of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, although the strength of the cooler temperature signal varies by location.
Sharp Temperature Changes Expected This Weekend
The National Weather Service forecast for Annandale, Virginia, in Fairfax County near Washington, D.C., shows temperatures climbing to around 84 degrees Wednesday before dropping to approximately 54 degrees Saturday.
Saturday night temperatures could fall near 38 degrees, bringing chilly conditions to parts of Northern Virginia.
Farther west, the Centralia area in Braxton County, West Virginia, could experience an even sharper temperature change.
Highs near 81 degrees Wednesday are expected to fall to around 51 Saturday, followed by overnight lows near 33 degrees.
Rain Chances Increase Before Cooler Air Arrives
Rain chances could also increase ahead of the weekend temperature change.
The National Weather Service forecasts a 40% chance of showers Friday around Annandale, while portions of central West Virginia could see precipitation chances reach 70%.
NOAA's extended precipitation outlook favors below normal rainfall across portions of the interior Mid Atlantic, with areas closer to the Atlantic coast trending nearer normal.
Residents planning weekend activities should prepare for cooler temperatures, particularly during the evening and early morning hours.
Although some inland locations could approach freezing, the extended outlook does not indicate that freezing temperatures will occur throughout the region.
Updated local forecasts will provide more precise temperature and precipitation expectations as October 17 approaches.