Washington, DC – Forecast confidence is increasing that a winter weather system could impact the District of Columbia, Maryland, and northern Virginia this weekend, with probabilities now rising to around 50% for at least minor winter weather impacts in parts of the region.
According to recent National Weather Service guidance shared via social media, model trends are beginning to favor snow or freezing rain affecting the DMV sometime between late Friday and early Sunday, though officials caution that timing and precipitation types remain uncertain with the system still three to five days away.
The areas currently highlighted include major transportation corridors such as Interstate 95, the Capital Beltway (I-495), Interstate 270, and Interstate 66, where even light snow or ice could lead to slick conditions and travel delays. Impacts would be most likely overnight, when surface temperatures are expected to be near or below freezing.
The National Weather Service noted that freezing rain could result in ice accumulation on trees and power lines, raising the possibility of isolated outages. In addition, fluctuating temperatures may contribute to ice jams on streams and small rivers, which can temporarily block water flow and create a risk of localized flooding, particularly in low-lying or urban drainage areas.
Residents are encouraged to begin basic preparations, including monitoring forecasts, checking drainage near homes, and planning for possible travel disruptions. Officials also warn that wind, ice, and falling branches overnight may create noise disturbances, which could disrupt sleep in some neighborhoods.
Forecasters emphasized that the storm track could still shift north or south, changing impacts across the DMV. Additional updates are expected throughout the week as confidence increases.
This potential winter event may be especially relevant for commuters, students, and federal workers traveling across the region as February begins.
