Weather Outlook for the Washington, D.C. Area: Blustery Conditions Easing into Sunset, Cold Temperatures Persist
Synopsis
Brace yourselves, Washingtonians! January’s icy grip tightens its hold on the nation’s capital, bringing blustery winds and frigid temperatures. As the day transitions into twilight on January 21, 2024, the blustery conditions will gradually subside, making way for periodic low clouds. While the chance of stray snow showers lingers, wind chills could plummet to zero degrees Fahrenheit, demanding appropriate attire for those venturing outdoors.
Tonight’s Forecast
Tonight, the northwest winds will roar through the city, reaching gusts of approximately 30 mph. As the night progresses, these gusts will gradually diminish to around 20 mph by dawn. Temperatures will plunge into the teens, and when combined with the strong winds, the wind chill could make it feel close to zero degrees during the coldest hours. The sky will transition from partly to mostly clear, offering a glimpse of the celestial wonders above.
Tomorrow’s Forecast (Sunday)
Sunday’s weather forecast paints a picture of mainly sunny skies, with the brightest conditions expected during the afternoon hours. While the sunshine may beckon you outdoors, don’t let it fool you. Early wind chills around zero degrees are still possible, so bundle up accordingly. However, these values are expected to gradually rise above 20 degrees later in the day, providing some respite from the bone-chilling cold. The maximum temperatures will briefly reach the near 30s to mid-30s in the warmest spots. Occasional gusts from the northwest could reach up to 25 mph during the morning hours before gradually subsiding.
Overnight Forecast
As night falls, the calming northwest breezes will allow temperatures to drop further, potentially making it the coldest night of the season thus far. Combined with the cooling effect of the snowpack and mostly clear skies, temperatures are expected to dip to near 10 degrees Fahrenheit to the mid-teens, even in the “warmest” areas. Prepare for a frigid night, folks!
Extended Outlook: Snow Lovers’ Hopes for Presidents’ Day
While the forecast does not definitively rule out the possibility of snow until Presidents’ Day, the Capital Weather Gang (CWG) team discerns a trend toward warmer temperatures over the next 10 days, potentially extending into the first couple of weeks of February. A graphical summary of the European weather modeling system, encompassing its full range of background simulations, reveals above-average temperatures even into the first two weeks of February.
Expert Insights
CWG’s winter weather expert, Wes Junker, offers a glimmer of hope by noting that beyond 10 days, the weather models’ skill level diminishes. Jason Samenow, CWG’s head editor, focuses on the potential for cold air to return to the region if two atmospheric patterns, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO), shift in the coming month. Extended range weather model guidance indicates a trend toward negative values for both the NAO and AO well before Presidents’ Day, although confidence in this prediction remains low.
Seasonal Snowfall Summary
To provide snow enthusiasts with a more optimistic perspective, CWG’s Ian Livingston created a graphic depicting seasonal snowfall totals in the D.C. area. The region has experienced above-average snowfall so far this winter, possibly due to the combined effects of El Niño, which provides ample moisture, and a negative NAO, which facilitated cold air conditions for much of January.
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