Virginia wakes under a calm but biting December chill this morning as thin clouds drift across Annandale and the pavement still holds last night’s cold. Light wind barely moves the treetops, and the crisp air signals an important shift: winter weather begins building east of the Appalachians today as a stronger system races toward the Mid-Atlantic.
Drivers should stay alert for changing conditions late today and Saturday. While travel impacts remain low early, models now show an increasing signal for accumulating snow Saturday evening into early Sunday, with 1–3 inches possible across Fairfax County. A few narrow bands could drop more if they set up over the I-95 corridor. Roads may turn slick quickly after sunset Saturday as temperatures fall and wet pavement begins freezing.
Clouds increase tonight as moisture approaches. Saturday starts mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-40s, but colder air presses in by afternoon. A rain-to-snow changeover is possible after 7 p.m., and snow may intensify for a brief period before tapering toward dawn. Plan extra travel time Saturday night, especially on Routes 236, 620, and the Capital Beltway ramps.
Sunday turns sharply colder. Northwest winds increase, gusting above 20 mph at times. Even with sunshine, highs struggle into the lower 30s. By evening, wind chills near zero become possible—dangerous for those spending extended time outdoors. Meteorologists emphasize this is an early sign of deeper December cold settling across the Mid-Atlantic next week.
Five-Day Outlook:
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 45; snow develops after evening.
• Sunday: Clearing but frigid; high 31.
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high 31.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 37.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 47.
