Washington, D.C. is starting off Thursday, February 26, 2026, on a chilly but calm note, with clear skies and temperatures in the upper 30s. That quiet start will not last long, though, as clouds build through the day and light rain noses into the region. The best shot at measurable showers comes after 9 a.m., with highs expected to top out near 466F. Where measurable rain falls, totals should stay on the light side, generally under a tenth of an inch, and most of the precipitation is expected to wind down by sunset.
When Rain Will Fall
Showers are projected to slide into northern Virginia and along the I-95 corridor from late morning into the afternoon, with the highest odds roughly between late morning and mid-afternoon. The National Weather Service keeps the emphasis on light rain and notes that new rainfall amounts should remain under a tenth of an inch where rain actually develops. Winds will be light out of the northeast, so you are looking at a damp commute rather than a full washout. Plan for wet roads, a few slowdowns, and keep that compact umbrella within reach. For hour-by-hour timing, see the National Weather Service.
Fog And The Commute
Where rain does fall, cool overnight temperatures combined with leftover moisture could spin up areas of fog late tonight into early Friday morning. The fog risk is highest across the Virginia Piedmont and locations south of I-66 and US-50. Pockets of dense fog may knock visibility down to a mile or less and leave bridges and overpasses slick. If you are on the road early Friday, build in some extra time, stick with low beams in thicker fog, and ease up on the gas, especially on shaded or elevated stretches.
Weekend Outlook And Next Week
Skies clear out on Friday, bringing sunshine and a high near 526F, then turn noticeably warmer Saturday with highs near 626F, a pleasant setup for any outdoor plans. Forecasters are also keeping an eye on a slight winter storm threat for Monday into midweek, as a cold front and multiple waves of low pressure could deliver snow or a wintry mix. Timing and potential impacts are still uncertain. For the full meteorological breakdown, see the NWS forecast discussion.
Bottom line: carry a light layer and a small umbrella today, watch for fog overnight into early Friday, and enjoy a sunnier, warmer stretch Friday and Saturday. Forecast details will be updated if the early week system sharpens or the precipitation type looks ready to change.
