Weather
Northern Virginia Weather Alert: Rain Returns Nov. 12-13
Virginia residents have several days of sunshine ahead, but a developing weather change could bring widespread rain, colder temperatures and wet commutes to Northern Virginia by Thursday, Nov. 12.
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-11-08T10:22:33.037Z
Virginia residents have several days of sunshine ahead, but a developing weather change could bring widespread rain, colder temperatures and wet commutes to Northern Virginia by Thursday, Nov. 12.
Temperatures reaching the middle 60s will give way to a colder, wetter pattern before the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, Annandale and surrounding Fairfax County communities face a 70% chance of rain Thursday afternoon and Thursday night.
The approaching change follows several unusually comfortable November afternoons, offering residents a limited window for outdoor projects and fall cleanup.
Monday Brings Sunshine and Stronger Winds Monday, Nov. 9, features mostly sunny skies with temperatures near 62 degrees.
However, west winds of 8 to 17 mph could produce gusts reaching 31 mph.
Those gusts may scatter fallen leaves and move unsecured lightweight decorations.
Drivers along Interstate 495, Interstate 66 and Route 50 could notice stronger crosswinds in exposed areas.
Temperatures fall to approximately 40 degrees Monday night.
Tuesday and Veterans Day Bring 66 Degree Warmth Tuesday, Nov. 10, delivers sunny skies and highs near 66 degrees.
Southwest winds remain relatively light, making it a favorable afternoon for outdoor activities.
Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, also looks sunny, with temperatures again reaching 66 degrees.
Families attending outdoor ceremonies should encounter generally favorable weather.
However, clouds increase Wednesday night as temperatures fall toward 45 degrees.
The approaching system then brings a significant change Thursday.
Thursday Rain Could Affect Evening Travel Thursday, Nov. 12, brings the week's most notable precipitation threat.
Rain becomes likely mainly after 1 p.m., with precipitation chances reaching 70%.
Temperatures only climb near 58 degrees, approximately eight degrees cooler than Wednesday.
The wet weather could affect afternoon and evening traffic around Fairfax, Annandale, Springfield and the Capital Beltway.
Rain remains likely Thursday night, mainly before 1 a.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service maintains a 70% precipitation chance during that period, with lows near 39 degrees.
Drivers should prepare for wet pavement, reduced visibility during heavier showers and potentially longer stopping distances.
Friday Brings Another Temperature Drop Friday, Nov. 13, turns cooler, with highs near 49 degrees.
A 40% chance of rain remains in the forecast.
By Friday night, temperatures could fall to approximately 33 degrees, close to the freezing mark.
While the current forecast does not indicate snow or freezing precipitation, sensitive outdoor plants may need protection if temperatures fall farther than expected.
The colder air also serves as a reminder that winter weather becomes increasingly possible as Thanksgiving approaches.
No specific Thanksgiving snowstorm is indicated by this forecast.
Northern Virginia Five Day Weather Outlook Monday, Nov. 9: Mostly sunny, high 62°F, low 40°F. Wind gusts up to 31 mph. Tuesday, Nov. 10: Sunny and mild, high 66°F, low 45°F. Wednesday, Nov. 11: Sunny for Veterans Day, high 66°F, low 45°F. Thursday, Nov. 12: Rain likely after 1 p.m., high 58°F, low 39°F. Rain chance 70%. Friday, Nov. 13: Chance of rain, high 49°F, low 33°F. Rain chance 40%. Saturday, Nov. 14: Partly sunny with temperatures near 50 degrees.
The latest outlook suggests Northern Virginia will experience its most noticeable weather change Thursday into Friday.
Residents should monitor updates as precipitation timing and temperatures become clearer.
Are you enjoying Northern Virginia's November warmth, or are you ready for colder weather before Thanksgiving? Share your thoughts below.