As a wintry chill grasps the nation's capital, the National Weather Service in Washington D.C. has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective until 4 PM EST today. The alert warns of light snow accumulations near 1 inch, which along with very cold temperatures hovering around the 30°F mark, are expected to create hazardous conditions for morning commuters. The NWS forecast notes a high probability of precipitation at 80%, with the snow expected to taper off before 8 am, leaving behind less than an inch of new snow.
Commuters are cautioned to prepare for slippery roads and sidewalks as the snow, having fallen onto a landscape already clenched by the cold, seeks to stick and freeze on surfaces left untreated. Traffic, as it winds its path through the morning's cover, could thus find itself to slip into a slower, more careful cadence, as drivers heed the warnings to slow down and use caution. According to the National Weather Service, "Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute."
Looming over the city, the barometer stands at 30.27 in, with the humidity at 64% and a wind chill that drives the cold deeper, to a biting 22°F. Visibility is reduced to 4 miles and dewpoints are low at 19°F, which compounds the effect of the chill. The forecast, however, assures that as the day progresses the winds should abate, becoming calm after noon and signaling a reprieve from the morning’s snowy veil.
The winter weather advisory extends across the District of Columbia, Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties in Maryland, and into central and northern Virginia, encompassing Fairfax and Arlington counties. Tonight, the area is expected to see patchy fog between 8 pm and 1 am. This temporary hazard is something to watch for as visibility could be further limited. Hundreds of miles of roads from Chesapeake Bay to central Maryland are covered by the advisory, and for the safety of all, travelers are urged to obtain the latest road conditions through the regional 511 service. The NWS advisory specifies, "Given temperatures will be in the 20s, snow is expected to accumulate on all untreated surfaces."
Looking ahead to the weekend, the weather is set to gradually warm up with partly sunny skies and highs near the 40s. Nonetheless, drivers and pedestrians alike are reminded to remain vigilant following this wintry mix and are encouraged to contribute reports of snowfall measurements to aid the National Weather Service in monitoring and forecasting these seasonal hazards.
