Virginia – Damp pavement reflected headlights early this morning as light rain lingered across Northern Virginia, a quiet but telling start to a week where timing matters for holiday travelers. The air felt raw, the sky hung low, and roads stayed slick just enough to demand attention.
According to the National Weather Service, rain remains likely through the morning hours before skies gradually brighten later today. Highs reach the low 50s across Fairfax County and nearby suburbs, keeping conditions chilly but above freezing for now.
Around Annandale, Springfield, and Alexandria, wet roads are the primary concern today, especially during the morning drive along I-495, I-395, and Route 236. Visibility may dip at times, but widespread flooding is not expected. Drivers should still slow down on ramps and bridges.
Conditions shift midweek as clouds thicken and colder air filters in. By Wednesday night, temperatures drop into the mid-30s, and a brief rain-snow mix is possible before drying out. To be fair, little accumulation is expected, but even a light mix can signal what comes next.
Christmas Day stays mostly dry with highs near the low 50s, supporting smoother holiday travel. That window closes heading into Friday. Rain redevelops as temperatures struggle to climb out of the 30s, setting up a classic winter problem.
Meteorologists are now watching a warm-to-cold transition late Friday that could trigger flash freezing once rain ends. Any leftover moisture may turn icy after sunset, especially on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Post-Christmas travelers should be alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Plan ahead if driving Friday. Leave extra space, reduce speed, and check road updates before heading out. Winter may feel delayed, but it is waiting in the wings. Seeing slick spots already? Let us know what conditions look like near you.
Five Day Outlook for Annandale, Virginia
- Today: Rain early, high near 52°F
- Wednesday: Increasing clouds, high near 51°F
- Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy, high near 52°F
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, low near 33°F
- Friday: Rain likely, high near 38°F
