The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington DC has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for a portion of the region, including the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland and northern Virginia. According to the advisory, residents can expect a mix of freezing rain and snow that is anticipated to create slick and hazardous travel conditions, particularly impacting the Tuesday morning commute.
The Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 5 AM to 1 PM EST tomorrow, with total ice accumulation anticipated to be a light glaze to a few hundredths of an inch, and a dusting to one-tenth of an inch of snow possible. In a statement released early this morning by the NWS, forecasters warned that roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. The combination of weather conditions could create treacherous driving scenarios, urging travelers to slow down and use caution.
On top of the freezing rain and light snow expected tomorrow, the broader forecast from the National Weather Service for Washington D.C. area during the holiday week shows a series of partly cloudy and mostly cloudy days, with daytime highs gradually warming from 35 degrees today to a high near 54 by Sunday. Nighttime temperatures are anticipated to range from the mid-20s to low 40s throughout the week.
The National Weather Service reports that precipitation is expected to commence as light freezing rain early tomorrow morning along and west of US-15, subsequently spreading to the Interstate 95 corridor around or shortly before sunrise. Some snow may also be observed, particularly along and north of Interstate 70. The mixture of rain and freezing rain is forecast to transition late tomorrow morning, concluding by early tomorrow afternoon. For the most up-to-date road conditions in your area, the National Weather Service recommends contacting 511.
With Christmas Day and the subsequent holiday period rapidly approaching, end-of-year travelers and local residents should be prepared for potential weather-related disruptions. By keeping abreast of weather forecasts and heeding official warnings, individuals can ensure a safer holiday season and minimize the risks posed by inclement winter weather.
