Residents of the Washington D.C. area awoke this morning to a weather pattern as gray and muddled as the Potomac in late autumn. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 6 PM EST today, bringing rain mixed with snow and potential accumulation up to 3 inches in parts of northeastern Maryland. As per the NWS advisory, D.C. and portions of Maryland and Virginia are experiencing slippery road conditions, urging commuters to move with caution.
A system that's more fickle than election promises brought rain and snow before 10 am, shifting gears to a mere chance of snow afterward. The NWS forecast, detailed on their website, anticipates less than half an inch of daytime snow for the capital. However, those residing in the northern suburbs witnessed a heavier downpour, receiving several inches of flurries determined to stick around.
Looking forward to Dr. Martin Luther King Day, a sunny reprieve with a high near 39 is expected, as reported by the NWS, with winds picking up to possibly 22 mph. Evening temperatures, however, will plummet to a low around 21, reminding us that winter intends to linger a bit longer. Tomorrow's forecast promises sunshine and a gentle breeze, with subsequent nights seeing temperatures dropping to the 0 to 10 range, according to the Hazardous Weather Outlook provided by the National Weather Service.
Washingtonians accustomed to political storms may find the natural kind a less controllable inconvenience. The snow should end during the late afternoon or early evening, the weather service notes, suggesting that any evening plans could be less hindered by the weather. Precautionary actions are advised by the NWS, including the recommendation to obtain the latest road conditions by calling 5 1 1.
