Weather
Fairfax County, VA Weather Alert: Chilly Weekend Arrives Oct 17
Annandale, VA – A dramatic shift in temperatures is approaching Northern Virginia, with Friday's unusually warm afternoon expected to give way to a much colder Saturday night. The National Weather Ser
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-15T07:49:26.393Z
Annandale, VA – A dramatic shift in temperatures is approaching Northern Virginia, with Friday's unusually warm afternoon expected to give way to a much colder Saturday night. The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 82 degrees Friday, Oct. 16, before temperatures fall to approximately 38 degrees by late Saturday night. The 44 degree difference over roughly a day and a half follows a round of showers and possible thunderstorms, bringing a sharp change for residents across Annandale, Fairfax County and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday will begin with cloudy skies before gradual clearing allows temperatures to climb into the lower 80s. South winds of 9 to 13 mph could gust as high as 25 mph. However, the warmth will be short lived as showers and thunderstorms become likely Friday night, with a 70% chance of precipitation and northwest winds signaling a change in weather conditions.
Saturday Brings a Major Temperature Drop The weekend transition becomes especially noticeable Saturday, Oct. 17, when afternoon temperatures are expected to reach only 54 degrees. That represents a 28 degree decline from Friday's forecast high of 82 degrees. The change could make Saturday feel considerably colder than the previous afternoon, particularly for residents attending outdoor events, sporting activities or community gatherings throughout Fairfax County.
The coldest conditions arrive Saturday night, when mostly clear skies accompany a forecast low near 38 degrees. While the temperature remains above the freezing mark of 32 degrees, it will be cold enough for jackets and warmer clothing during evening and early morning activities. The forecast does not establish a frost or freeze threat, and no freezing precipitation is indicated.
Friday Night Storms Could Affect Travel Before colder air settles into Northern Virginia, showers and thunderstorms are likely Friday night. The National Weather Service places the precipitation probability at 70%, with northwest winds of 11 to 13 mph and gusts reaching 25 mph. Although thunderstorms are possible, the supplied forecast does not identify a specific severe weather threat.
Motorists traveling Interstate 495, Interstate 66 and Interstate 95 should prepare for potentially wet pavement and reduced visibility during periods of rainfall. Drivers returning home Friday evening or traveling overnight may encounter changing conditions as temperatures begin falling. No specific highway closures, flooding or travel disruptions have been confirmed in the forecast.
Thursday, Oct. 15, also brings unsettled weather, with showers mainly before 5 p.m. and an 80% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounts between one tenth and one quarter inch are possible. Temperatures should remain near 62 degrees before dropping to approximately 58 degrees Thursday night, setting up Friday's brief surge of warmer air.
Sunshine Returns as Cooler Weather Settles In By Sunday, Oct. 18, conditions are expected to improve considerably. Sunshine returns with an afternoon high near 56 degrees, while mostly clear skies Sunday night allow temperatures to fall to approximately 41 degrees. The combination of dry weather and cooler temperatures should provide a more comfortable opportunity for outdoor activities, provided residents dress appropriately.
Temperatures begin recovering Monday, with sunshine and a high near 61 degrees. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to reach approximately 64 degrees, suggesting that the sharp weekend cooldown will gradually ease.
For Northern Virginia residents, the biggest concern is the transition from Friday night's rain and possible thunderstorms into Saturday's significantly colder conditions.
Will the approaching temperature drop change your weekend plans?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers are expected mainly before 5 p.m., with an 80% precipitation chance and a high near 62 degrees. Rainfall totals between 0.10 and 0.25 inches are possible before temperatures fall to 58 degrees overnight.
Friday 10/16: Clouds gradually clear as temperatures climb to approximately 82 degrees, with south wind gusts up to 25 mph. Showers and thunderstorms become likely Friday night, bringing a 70% rain chance and a low near 50.
Saturday 10/17: A 30% chance of showers remains before 8 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a much cooler high near 54 degrees. Saturday night becomes mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 38 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies dominate with an afternoon high near 56 degrees, maintaining the cooler weekend pattern. Mostly clear conditions continue Sunday night, with temperatures dropping to around 41 degrees across the Annandale area.
Monday 10/19: Sunshine returns with an afternoon high near 61 degrees and a 20% chance of showers after 2 p.m. Monday night becomes partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 45 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees, followed by partly cloudy conditions and an overnight low around 47 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should remain sunny with an afternoon high near 64 degrees.