Virginia – A gray sky hangs low this morning as cold air presses into Northern Virginia. Pavement feels damp, breath fogs briefly, and winter’s next move is already lining up. Light snow brushes parts of the region early, but a stronger punch arrives later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a weak disturbance may produce light snow today into early morning hours, with little accumulation expected. Even small amounts could create slick patches on untreated roads. Drivers along I-495, I-95, and Route 50 should stay alert during early travel.
Skies brighten briefly after the snow tapers, but colder air settles in fast. Temperatures fall sharply tonight, dropping into the teens across Fairfax County. Thursday stays sunny but cold, with highs struggling near freezing and a stiff north wind keeping wind chills lower.
Attention turns to Friday as an Arctic front sweeps through the Mid-Atlantic. Snow showers become possible by afternoon, followed by gusty winds that increase Friday night. While snowfall amounts appear light, blowing snow and sharply falling temperatures could reduce visibility and create hazardous travel.
Friday night into Saturday brings the most impactful conditions. Wind chills plunge into the single digits, and strong northwest winds may gust high enough to cause isolated tree or power issues. Sunshine returns Saturday, but the cold lingers, keeping highs in the mid-20s.
Residents should plan ahead now. Secure loose outdoor items, limit time outside during peak winds, and prepare vehicles for winter driving. Even minor melting during the day may refreeze quickly after sunset, raising flash-freeze concerns on side streets and bridges.
Looking ahead, cold holds into early next week before a gradual warming trend develops later in the 6–10 day window. Signs point toward more seasonal temperatures returning as February progresses. Traveling later this week? Tell us what conditions you’re seeing where you live.
Five-Day Outlook for Annandale, VA
- Today: Patchy snow early, then partly sunny, highs near 34°F
- Thursday: Sunny and cold, highs near 32°F
- Friday: Chance of snow, windy late, highs near 35°F
- Saturday: Sunny but blustery, highs near 26°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny, cold, highs near 26°F
