Weather
Virginia Weather Alert: Temperatures Plunge Into 30s Oct. 17-21
Annandale, VA – A dramatic temperature change is approaching Northern Virginia this weekend, with daytime highs falling from the middle 80s Wednesday to the 50s by Saturday. Overnight temperatures cou
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-12T10:52:59.447Z
Annandale, VA – A dramatic temperature change is approaching Northern Virginia this weekend, with daytime highs falling from the middle 80s Wednesday to the 50s by Saturday. Overnight temperatures could dip into the upper 30s as a cooler weather pattern develops across the region.
According to the National Weather Service, the latest forecast for Annandale in Fairfax County calls for a high near 84 degrees Wednesday, followed by a noticeable cooldown beginning Thursday, October 15.
Thursday's high is expected to reach just 71 degrees, with a 30% chance of showers. Rain chances increase to 40% Friday, when temperatures could briefly recover to around 77 degrees.
By Saturday, October 17, temperatures are forecast to reach only 54 degrees, nearly 30 degrees colder than Wednesday's expected high. Saturday night could bring lows around 38 degrees before temperatures reach approximately 57 degrees Sunday.
NOAA Outlook Favors Cooler Conditions October 17 21
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center also favors below normal temperatures across much of eastern Virginia during its October 17 21 outlook.
The forecast, issued October 11, places Northern Virginia within an area favoring cooler than average conditions, extending the possibility of a sustained temperature shift beyond the weekend.
The accompanying precipitation outlook favors below normal rainfall across portions of western and central Virginia, while eastern sections trend closer to normal precipitation levels.
What Residents Should Expect
The cooler conditions could affect outdoor activities, weekend travel preparations and residents planning to spend extended periods outside.
Although temperatures may approach the upper 30s in parts of Northern Virginia, the current Annandale forecast does not indicate freezing temperatures.
Residents across Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria and the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area should monitor updated local forecasts as the weekend approaches.
The Climate Prediction Center's outlook represents broad temperature trends, and individual communities could experience different conditions.