Virginia greets the morning locked in a hard freeze. Parked cars sparkle with frost, sidewalks feel brittle underfoot, and temperatures sit near 21 degrees across Annandale and nearby suburbs.
According to the National Weather Service, skies turn cloudier today as temperatures recover into the upper 40s to near 50. Winds stay light, helping conditions feel calmer after the cold start. Still, frozen pavement may linger in shaded areas early, especially on neighborhood roads.
Tonight stays mostly cloudy with lows near 29. That sets the stage for changing conditions Thursday as moisture moves in.
Rain develops Thursday morning and continues through the day. Highs reach near 48, but the rain falls steadily at times. Roads across Fairfax County, including I-495 and Route 50, turn slick quickly. Plan extra travel time and expect reduced visibility during heavier showers.
By Thursday night, rain remains likely and temperatures rise into the low 40s. Conditions stay wet heading into early Friday.
Friday brings a partial break. Clouds linger early with a chance of rain, then skies brighten later. Temperatures briefly climb near 52 before colder air returns. Winds increase, adding a brisk feel by afternoon.
Friday night turns sharply colder. Skies clear and temperatures fall near 27. Any remaining moisture refreezes quickly, creating a black ice risk on bridges, ramps, and untreated roads.
Saturday looks quieter but colder, with sunshine and highs near 45. Saturday night dips near 38 under mostly cloudy skies. Sunday rebounds slightly, with highs near 52 and dry travel conditions.
Christmas Travel Outlook:
Northern Virginia faces a classic winter pattern. Rain followed by a freeze increases slick-road risks late Friday. Travel improves through the weekend, but early-morning caution remains key.
Five-Day Snapshot:
- Today: Increasing clouds, high 50
- Thursday: Rain likely, high 48
- Friday: Clearing late, high 52
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 45
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 52
