Washington, D.C
Early snowfall expected Saturday before shift to rain across DC region
DC snow forecast: First significant snowfall of season expected Saturday
A slushy mix of snow could be on the ground by Saturday afternoon as the Washington, D.C. area prepares for its first significant snowfall of the season.
BETHESDA, Md. (FOX 5 DC) – The FOX 5 Weather Team has been closely monitoring a winter storm that is expected to impact the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Saturday and Sunday.
With new data and projections coming in, what are our latest expectations? Let’s dive in!
As for timing, the latest projections are now leaning towards a faster overall storm. This means one that begins earlier on Saturday, as early as the middle morning hours, but one that wraps up faster as well.
Most projections show the storm leaving our region before the midnight hour on Saturday night.
This would leave Sunday as a cold and windy, but dry, day for any clean-up or digging out that parts of our region will have to do in its wake.
With the timing of the storm itself coming better into focus, the issue then becomes hammering out the details of what that means for the storm.
Typically, the coldest part of the day is just before dawn, while the warmest is in the middle of the afternoon. This means that the earlier the storm arrives, the more likely it is to start as wintry precipitation. We believe this will be the case with this storm.
D.C., Baltimore, and even parts of southern Maryland may see this system begin as snow or sleet as early as 9-10 a.m. on Saturday.
Most guidance shows a healthy pool of cold air in place during the morning hours. The key to snowfall totals is how fast this cold area will erode and retreat northward.
By the middle of the afternoon and progressing through the evening hours, as the storm system starts to intensify to our south, winds will pick up out of the south and east.
This is important because those winds will carry some southern and Atlantic “warmth” into the region. That typically happens above the surface first, causing snow to turn over to mix and sleet pellets, before changing over to all rain as the warm layer expands.
The question for us forecasters is how far north and west this rain/snow line will progress, and more recent trends have continued to push that line farther and farther west.
While western areas will still see higher snowfall totals because they are expected to stay snowing longer, a change over to mix at any point will reduce totals compared to pure snow.
READ MORE: DC snow forecast: Most significant snowfall in 2 years possible Saturday for parts of DC metro area
At this time, FOX 5 has not seen any weather models that show all the snow for D.C. and Baltimore. Expectations are that after a wintry start, it will change over to rain pretty quickly in the afternoon.
This change is not expected to come until the late afternoon and evening for those areas to the far northwest.
So what are our latest expectations?
While we do believe D.C. starts as snow and mix, and potentially could even see a little slushy accumulation during the morning and lunchtime hours mostly, we do favor a change over to an at times heavy, cold rain that will likely naturally wash away any accumulation received for the most part.
Mother Nature will likely do her plowing on this one in the immediate D.C. and Baltimore areas.
Once you get west of the I-95 corridor, we are expecting about 2-4″ of wet snow out closer to the highlands, with, of course, the most expected in the mountains west of the I-81 corridor.
For those areas out to the west. As you get up towards the elevation climb in northern Montgomery, Frederick, Carroll, and Fauquier counties — the question is not so much about whether you will see snow longer – but instead about how heavy that snow could be.
Light snow is picky. Ground temperatures have to be below freezing for it to stick, otherwise it simply melts on contact.
Heavier snow is much more tricky. Snow can pile up on just about any surface as long as the rate at which it is falling is faster than the rate at which the ground can melt it.
Whether or not a band of heavy, thumping snow will be present with this storm is something that weather computers have been struggling with over the last couple of days.
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The American model, seen above, has been the most aggressive with the snow coming down heavily for several hours early Saturday afternoon just north and west of D.C. before the eventual changeover to mix and rain.
What we would call a “boom” scenario shows 4-8″ as close as western Loudoun, Northern Fauquier and Montgomery counties, and Frederick and Carroll counties.
This will be a threat to monitor going forward.
On the other hand, the oftentimes more reliable European weather model shown above is considerably less impressive with snowfall rates. This leads to a little more ground melt occurring and keeps snowfall totals more suppressed before a faster changeover to mixing compared to its American counterpart.
The rate of initial snowfall and the speed of the changeover are the two keys that will lead to this storm being a boom or a bust in those western zones.
As for the rest of the Northeast, most models show that D.C. will not be the only major city to suffer the wrath of the dreaded rain/snow line. Other I-95 cities like Philadelphia, and New York City may miss out on some of the larger totals as eastern winds and mild air of the Atlantic lead to mixing. Cold air is expected to fight harder in the interior Northeast, however. Boston will likely get one of the better snowstorms of the past few winters out of this winter storm, while some interior parts of New England could see around a foot of snow.
Even around the Mid-Atlantic, local ski resorts in our mountains could do quite well with the coming storm.
Once we get beyond the weekend, is there anything else that we have our eyes on?
Well, the first major blizzard of 2024 could arrive early next week — just not in the D.C. region. The stronger storms usually have a better model agreement about a week in advance, and both the American and European models are in strong agreement of a major storm in the Midwest early next week, centered around next Tuesday.
It could be the first storm that gets widespread blizzard warnings, particularly in the Upper Midwest, so travelers next week be warned!
For the D.C. region, the center of this storm is expected to pass far to our west. Without a major block in place to force the storm onto the coastline, we are not talking about a blizzard threat here in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The storm could drag up so much warmth on its eastern flank that temperatures on Tuesday could approach 60°F on Tuesday afternoon and evening. However, the morning hours will need to be monitored. Cold air in place with a retreating high pressure to the north could lead to something known as “cold air damming,” which is where a northeast wind traps low-level cold air up against the Appalachian Mountains.
This could lead to some quick morning snow or ice that could make roadways slick for the morning commute, potentially impacting local schools.
It is something we will have our eyes on closely over the next week.
FOX 5 will continue to keep you up to date on these storms, and any more that happen to come our way this winter season.
The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overruled a lower court ruling on Wednesday, allowing US President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard in Washington DC to continue for now.
The three-judge panel reversed US District Judge Jia Cobb’s November 20 decision, which disallowed Trump from deploying troops to DC to help control crime in the city. Cobb’s opinion and order state that the District was unable to perform its duties with the intrusion of the National Guard troops, holding that “the balance of equities and public interest weigh in the District’s favor.”
The appeals court disagreed with Cobb’s decision, stating that the president may prevail in his argument that he “possesses a unique power” to deploy troops in the nation’s capital. The court’s reasoning centered on the fact that DC is a federal district, stating:
Because the District of Columbia is a federal district created by Congress, rather than a constitutionally sovereign entity like the fifty States, the Defendants appear on this early record likely to prevail on the merits of their argument that the President possesses a unique power within the District—the seat of the federal government—to mobilize the Guard under 32 U.S.C. § 502(f). It also appears likely that the D.C. Code independently authorizes the deployment of the D.C. Guard.
This action was initially brought by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb in August after Trump deployed around 2,300 regional National Guard members to patrol the city. In the months since, Trump has also deployed National Guard troops to other major US cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Memphis. The court’s ruling calls into question the constitutionality of Trump’s deployment of troops in US cities other that the nation’s capital in the future.
A spokesperson for Schwalb said in a statement that this was not the end of the fight against the deployment, stating, “This is a preliminary ruling that does not resolve the merits. We look forward to continuing our case in both the District and appellate courts.”
Washington, D.C
The Weekend Scene: Bounce to a huge inflatable park and more around DC through Dec. 21
This weekend is your last for Christmas shopping! We’ll share some unique markets worth checking out, both in the highlights and in our list of bonus events at the bottom of this page.
- Weekend weather: Saturday will be chilly, but sunshine on Sunday will bring a little more warmth. Here’s the forecast.
The ‘DMV’s largest indoor bounce park’ jumps into Maryland
Family pick
Funbox Bowie
🔗 Details
Boasting the “DMV’s largest indoor bounce park,” Funbox jumps into Bowie with $4 tickets just in time for kids to get some energy out over winter break.
Funbox opens today, and the $4 grand opening deal runs until Dec. 28 (it also includes birthday parties starting at $99). Typically, it costs $22.95 to bounce.
Tackle a 23-foot slide, obstacle course or the battle beam where competitors tussle with soft tubes while wearing nonslip socks.
Holiday highlights
Free & family-friendly
Late hours for Season’s Greenings
Thurs., plus Dec. 23, 30 and Jan. 1
🔗 Details
The U.S. Botanic Garden’s Dino-Mite! holiday display is open until 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 4 (except Christmas Day), but you still have a few chances to visit during extended hours.
Tomorrow and on four other evenings, the Garden will stay open until 8 p.m. Live music plus food and drink vendors make it a cheap date night option.
Free pick
12 Days of Joy with Art to Go-Go
Through Dec. 22, Historic Anacostia
🔗 Details
Head to Anacostia to get in on 12 days of art, go-go, joy – and shopping!
Local businesses are hosting events like poetry readings, live music, games and classes every day of the week. Pick up a Joy Pass and visit over 15 participating businesses to find “Drops of Joy,” including discounts and neighborhood adventures, around Anacostia.
Drop into the UMOJA Market between noon and 8 p.m. to find small vendors selling giftable items from hand-painted journals to chocolate bars. You’ll find it at 2323 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Check the website for special events, including Selfies with Santa on Saturday (make sure to sign up in advance)!
Free pick
Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market
Through Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Northeast D.C.
🔗 Details
Whether you’re coming or going from Union Station, the holiday market in its majestic main hall is worth a stop.
Shop from over 40 local shops, artists and makers while enjoying live music.
Free pick
ROCK’N’SHOP
Sat., 2-6 p.m., Black Cat
🔗 Details
The Black Cat’s annual holiday shop says it’s one of the longest-running in D.C. You’ll find a mix of local crafters, record dealers, shops and junk sellers as DJs provide a great soundtrack, the Black Cat says.
Family-friendly
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)
🔗 Details
Fireworks over the Potomac River and sparkling lights make George Washington’s former estate a festive destination for the whole family.
You can meet George and Martha Washington, talk to Revolutionary War soldiers at the winter encampment, take a picture with Aladdin the Camel, plus play games and dance for an 18th-century celebration.
Mount Vernon recently reopened the first and second floors of Washington’s mansion after a $40 million renovation, and Christmas Illuminations visitors can be among the first to step inside.
Family-friendly
The Dad Games
Sun., 3-7 p.m., The St. James in Springfield, $5 suggested donation
🔗 Details
The whole family is invited for an afternoon of games and challenges testing dads’ skills with Legos, trash can basketball, golf and more (bad jokes not included).
The organizers say you don’t need any training – just show up and try to win prizes up to $250!
Family-friendly
Arlington Drafthouse Holiday Movie Festival
Sun., Arlington, $10 (adult)/$5 (child)
🔗 Details
The Arlington Drafthouse theater is showing Christmas movies of all stripes – from “It’s A Wonderful Life” to “Die Hard” – through Dec. 23.
On Sunday, you can grab a ticket, then come and go all day for a full day of classics like “Home Alone” and “Miracle on 34th Street” before the fest ends with holiday horror “Krampus.”
Sit back in theater seating, order food and drinks and enjoy an easygoing afternoon of holiday favorites.
Heads up, Commanders’ fans: Arlington Drafthouse will show Saturday’s game against the Eagles on the big screen. Admission is free!
Music Snob: Concerts and more
Patti Smith, 7 p.m. Friday, Lincoln Theatre, $68.40
Not a concert, but this book talk will rock. The icon of punk, prose and photography brings the new memoir of her fascinating life and career – “Bread of Angels” – to the historic Lincoln for discussion. Book included with ticket. Details.
The Max Levine Ensemble, 7 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $18
D.C.’s premiere pop punk band celebrates its 25th (!!!) anniversary. Not as active as a couple decades ago, it’s not as easy to catch this politically minded District institution these days. Among the openers is excellent indie rock singer-songwriter Oceanator. Details.
The Owners, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Black Cat, $18.75
Last-minute shopping? Stop by Black Cat for The Owners’ record release show. The venerable punk venue’s owners – and a couple of longtime employees – used pandemic free time and their empty club to put together one of D.C.’s best bands. Catchy, energetic garage-punk paradise. Details.
More to do in D.C.
Holiday shows and winter activities“
“A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 31, Ford’s Theatre, $42+
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show: Through Dec. 23, Arena Stage, $49+ (see website for discounts)
A Very Improv Holiday: Through Dec. 28, Studio Theatre
National Symphony Orchestra – Handel’s “Messiah”: Thurs. to Sun., Kennedy Center
Procrastinator’s Holiday Market: Sat., Kraken on Rhode Island Main Street, free entry
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington – The Holiday Show: Sat., Lincoln Theatre, $68.40
“The Nutcracker” by The Washington Ballet: Through Dec. 29, Warner Theatre, $63.50+
Sculpture Garden Ice Rink: Daily through winter, National Gallery of Art, $12-$15 admission and $7 skate rental
Light Yards: Through Jan. 2, The Yards Park, free
Downtown Holiday Market: Through Dec. 23, F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets), free
Winter Wonderfest: Through Dec. 30, Nationals Park, $29.50
ZooLights: Through Jan. 3, National Zoo, $9
Frosted at Franklin Park: Through Jan. 7, downtown D.C., free
Theater – “ho ho ho ha ha ha ha” with Julia Masli: Through Dec. 21, Woolly Mammoth, $49
“Elf on the Shelf”-themed holiday pop-up bar: Through Dec. 30, Morris American Bar, $15 non-refundable reservation fee
Everything else:
Washington Capitals: Thurs. and Sat., Capital One Arena
Washington Wizards: Sun., Capital One Arena
Comedy – John Mulaney: Thurs. to Sun., The Anthem
More to do in Maryland
Winter Lights Festival: Through Dec. 21, Seneca Creek State Park, $15-$25 per vehicle
Children’s theater – “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: Through Dec. 22, The Puppet Co. Playhouse in Glen Echo, $16 per person
ICE! featuring The Polar Express: Through Jan. 4, Gaylord National Harbor, $41+
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens: Through Jan. 4, Wheaton, $13.99-$16.99 (free for kids under 5)
Theater – “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas”: Through Dec. 28, Olney Theatre Center, $63+
Holiday Toast2Peace!: Thurs., World of Beer Rockville, free entry (donations encouraged)
Winter Fest (with Santa photos for dogs and humans): Fri., Sat. and Sun., Song Dog Farm Distillery in Boyds, free entry
BabyCat Brewery ugly sweater holiday party: Fri. in Bethesda and Sat. in Kensington, free entry
Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Fri. and Sat., MGM National Harbor, $41+
Merry Market: Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westbard Square in Bethesda, free entry
Hands on History – Festival of Lights: Sat., 10 a.m., Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale Park, $10
The Winter Jubilee: Sat., 1-4 p.m., Rockville’s Civic Center Park, $8-$10 (adult chaperones free)
Children’s theater – “The Snowman and the Snowdog”: Through Jan. 4, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, $15+
The ‘Lego Menorah’ Lighting at Bethesda Row: Sun., Bethesda Row, free
More to do in Virginia
Holiday Bricktacular at the LEGO Discovery Center: Through Dec. 24, Ashburn, $24.99+
Elf Trivia at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Thurs., Woodbridge, free
Holi-DIY Crafting & Gift Making Workshop (Sat., 3-6 p.m.) and Family-Friendly Workshop (Sun., 3-5 p.m.), AR Workshop Alexandria, prices vary by project
Tequila & Mezcal Cocktail Making Class: Sat., La Prensa Tacos & Tapas in Sterling, $103.22
Holiday on the Farm: Fri. and Sat., Frying Pan Farm Park, $15 in advance/$20 at door
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)
Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fairfax Station, $20 in advance/$25 at door
Holiday Train Rides: Through Dec. 21, Reston Town Center, $23.18
Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
WASHINGTON – D.C. council members and transportation leaders met for hours on Wednesday to figure out the best way to get people in and out of the new Commanders stadium.
Planning starts:
We’re just about 14 months away from the start of construction, but the conversation about transportation is well underway.
Leaders repeatedly made it clear that this transportation plan isn’t just for Commanders’ fans on eight or nine Sundays — it’s for the people who live in these neighborhoods surrounding the stadium 365 days a year.
“Even folks who were opposed to the stadium early on, they know its coming so they want it to be successful,” D.C. Councilmember and Chair of the Transportation Committee Charles Allen said.
He says success means a smooth ride for fans and everyday residents.
“It’s not having tens of thousands of people driving cars here. It’s thinking about transportation. Get people on Metro,” Allen said.
“I can imagine there’s going be a lot of cars and people trying to park so being able to alleviate that is going to be a benefit to the community,” resident Olo Olakanmi told FOX 5.
Big picture view:
The D.C. Council hearing saw representatives from the D.C. Department of Transportation, WMATA and the Commanders, as well as ANC commissioners in neighboring communities.
Allen emphasized that this is more than just a stadium — they’re also planning 6,000 to 8,000 new homes, 20,000 people living in a brand-new neighborhood.
As of now, there are two parking garages planned for the Commanders Stadium, expected to hold about 6,000 vehicles. But when it comes to transit, there are several possibilities at play.
Dig deeper:
Metro would need major upgrades to use the Stadium Armory stop — likely including adding an entrance, elevator and expanding the mezzanine.
A new Metro stop could end up costing hundreds of millions of dollars and take years to build.
WMATA is getting $2 million from the District for planning. General Manager Randy Clarke said that the goal is to have 40% of game day traffic come from public transit.
But that could also include bus rapid transit lines moving people from Union Station to the stadium along the H Street corridor.
“I have confidence we’re all going to work together and everyone has the same goal here — to make this the best possible urban sports facility and mixed-used development in the country,” Clarke said.
The plan right now is to have shovels in the ground by March 2027 and construction complete by May 2030.
“We want to make this the most transit friendly stadium but also make sure all modes of transportation are optimized for folks to get there,” DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum said.
So, a lot of these transit decisions need to be made fairly quickly.
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