Virginia wakes to a hard freeze this Monday, with frost clinging to windshields and breath hanging in the air. Sunshine helps early, but changing conditions later today keep commuters and holiday travelers on alert.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures near Annandale and Fort Belvoir start in the low 20s before rebounding into the mid-40s this afternoon. Calm winds and clear skies ease travel early, though shaded roads may stay slick through mid-morning.
Conditions shift later today. Clouds increase, and a brief rain and snow mix develops this evening before turning mainly rain. While no snow accumulation is expected, the timing matters. Wet pavement after dark, following a cold start, raises the risk for slick spots on untreated roads.
Drivers along I-495, I-395, and Route 236 should slow down during the evening commute. Bridges and overpasses cool fastest and can ice before surrounding pavement. Plan extra time if heading out after sunset.
Tuesday turns milder and mostly cloudy, with highs near the low 50s. That warmth helps melt lingering moisture, but it also sets up another refreeze risk once temperatures drop again at night.
By Wednesday and Christmas Eve, attention shifts to rain chances. Spotty rain may arrive late Wednesday into Christmas Day, potentially affecting last-minute travel and outdoor plans. While winter storms stay north for now, the warm-to-cold pattern remains something to watch closely.
This is a classic first-week-of-winter setup in Northern Virginia. Cold mornings, milder afternoons, and just enough moisture to cause problems at the wrong time. Keep coats, umbrellas, and patience handy.
Heading out today or traveling for Christmas? Let us know what road conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Annandale, Virginia
- Monday: Sunny early, clouds late, high near 44
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, chance of early rain, high near 53
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 53
- Christmas Day: Chance of rain, high near 52
- Thursday: Cloudy, high near 45
