This article is from the source 'washpo' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/pm-update-wintry-mix-moves-in-changing-to-rain-in-dc-metro-but-potentially-slick-north-and-west/2015/01/23/d6a4b6a2-3936-4855-84f6-d034cffdce0a_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Updates: Wintry mix moves in, changing to rain in D.C. metro overnight but potentially slick north and west Updates: Wintry mix moves in, changing to rain in D.C. metro overnight but potentially slick north and west
(about 1 hour later)
* Winter weather advisory through noon Saturday north and west of the District ** Winter weather advisory through noon Saturday north and west of the District *
* Winter storm warning from Winchester to Hagerstown along I-81 and west ** Winter storm warning from Winchester to Hagerstown along I-81 and west *
Key points (scroll down to bottom for detailed forecast):Key points (scroll down to bottom for detailed forecast):
8:25 p.m. update: Even into Frederick, Maryland now, snow is transitioning to more of a wintry mix.
@capitalweather was all snow until a few minutes ago. Now switched over to sleet in the northern part of Frederick. — Kevin Quinlan (@KevQuinlan) January 24, 2015
@capitalweather was all snow until a few minutes ago. Now switched over to sleet in the northern part of Frederick.
— Kevin Quinlan (@KevQuinlan) January 24, 2015
The main issue of concern for the next few hours, at least, is icy spots – especially north and west of I-95. Some reports:
@capitalweather Our deck near Mount Vernon is covered in ice. — Jessica Nichols (@Jessicacgn) January 24, 2015
@capitalweather Our deck near Mount Vernon is covered in ice.
— Jessica Nichols (@Jessicacgn) January 24, 2015
So much ice and sleet in the @WheatonHills neighborhood. Pedestrian nightmare! Be safe out there peds! @capitalweather — Meghann Babo (@Meghann_Eileen) January 24, 2015
So much ice and sleet in the @WheatonHills neighborhood. Pedestrian nightmare! Be safe out there peds! @capitalweather
— Meghann Babo (@Meghann_Eileen) January 24, 2015
7:45 p.m. update: For the immediate metro area, there are signs the snow and sleet excitement is waning as precipitation shifts to more sleet and rain. The earlier burst of heavier sleet left behind some slick spots, so still use caution.7:45 p.m. update: For the immediate metro area, there are signs the snow and sleet excitement is waning as precipitation shifts to more sleet and rain. The earlier burst of heavier sleet left behind some slick spots, so still use caution.
@capitalweather @JustinWeather Ice ice baby #Gaithersburg pic.twitter.com/ldl9EwK2Uw — MoCo Weather Blogger (@RL_MDRealEstate) January 24, 2015@capitalweather @JustinWeather Ice ice baby #Gaithersburg pic.twitter.com/ldl9EwK2Uw — MoCo Weather Blogger (@RL_MDRealEstate) January 24, 2015
@capitalweather @JustinWeather Ice ice baby #Gaithersburg pic.twitter.com/ldl9EwK2Uw@capitalweather @JustinWeather Ice ice baby #Gaithersburg pic.twitter.com/ldl9EwK2Uw
— MoCo Weather Blogger (@RL_MDRealEstate) January 24, 2015— MoCo Weather Blogger (@RL_MDRealEstate) January 24, 2015
Temperatures are just above freezing in the metro area and, while we need not worry about a hard freeze of this mess, some spots could drop another degree or two, especially in our colder suburbs north and west of the Beltway. This means use special caution on driveways, bridges, ramps and overpasses as well as sidewalks.Temperatures are just above freezing in the metro area and, while we need not worry about a hard freeze of this mess, some spots could drop another degree or two, especially in our colder suburbs north and west of the Beltway. This means use special caution on driveways, bridges, ramps and overpasses as well as sidewalks.
To the northwest of the immediate metro area – towards Frederick, Md. – it’s snowy and totals should continue to mount although, even there, it may gradually change to a wintry mixTo the northwest of the immediate metro area – towards Frederick, Md. – it’s snowy and totals should continue to mount although, even there, it may gradually change to a wintry mix
real time ##FredericKMD @JustinWeather @capitalweather @Your4State @frednewspost @hbwx @AccuRayno pic.twitter.com/4AEVUtKXmI — Brandy Culbertson (@majikposhun) January 24, 2015real time ##FredericKMD @JustinWeather @capitalweather @Your4State @frednewspost @hbwx @AccuRayno pic.twitter.com/4AEVUtKXmI — Brandy Culbertson (@majikposhun) January 24, 2015
real time ##FredericKMD @JustinWeather @capitalweather @Your4State @frednewspost @hbwx @AccuRayno pic.twitter.com/4AEVUtKXmIreal time ##FredericKMD @JustinWeather @capitalweather @Your4State @frednewspost @hbwx @AccuRayno pic.twitter.com/4AEVUtKXmI
— Brandy Culbertson (@majikposhun) January 24, 2015— Brandy Culbertson (@majikposhun) January 24, 2015
7:00 p.m. update: A heavier batch of sleet and snow is now drifting north of us. It was at least temporarily impactful, even in places still above freezing (much of the area). Sleet is dense and takes a while to melt, so when enough falls it can cause slippery conditions. We’ve seen lots of reports of that lately, though this brief lull should alleviate those issues a bit.7:00 p.m. update: A heavier batch of sleet and snow is now drifting north of us. It was at least temporarily impactful, even in places still above freezing (much of the area). Sleet is dense and takes a while to melt, so when enough falls it can cause slippery conditions. We’ve seen lots of reports of that lately, though this brief lull should alleviate those issues a bit.
Another area of heavier stuff is working its way up from the southwest, and will sweep through in the coming hour or so, perhaps with less snow as temperatures aloft warm. With surface readings now mainly in the 33-38 degree range, increased slick spots are likely, especially west of I-95 in the hours ahead.Another area of heavier stuff is working its way up from the southwest, and will sweep through in the coming hour or so, perhaps with less snow as temperatures aloft warm. With surface readings now mainly in the 33-38 degree range, increased slick spots are likely, especially west of I-95 in the hours ahead.
Here are a few pictures from around the region recently:Here are a few pictures from around the region recently:
@capitalweather No snow here, just sleet in Foggy Bottom and one crowded bus. pic.twitter.com/N2GSvx9omP — Jessica A. Zaluzec (@JZaluzec) January 23, 2015@capitalweather No snow here, just sleet in Foggy Bottom and one crowded bus. pic.twitter.com/N2GSvx9omP — Jessica A. Zaluzec (@JZaluzec) January 23, 2015
@capitalweather No snow here, just sleet in Foggy Bottom and one crowded bus. pic.twitter.com/N2GSvx9omP@capitalweather No snow here, just sleet in Foggy Bottom and one crowded bus. pic.twitter.com/N2GSvx9omP
— Jessica A. Zaluzec (@JZaluzec) January 23, 2015— Jessica A. Zaluzec (@JZaluzec) January 23, 2015
Fat flakes falling in Germantown. Some slushy stickage starting on sidewalks. @dougkammerer @capitalweather #snow pic.twitter.com/PXE17hO1G9 — Aaron Skolnik (@MDReferee) January 23, 2015Fat flakes falling in Germantown. Some slushy stickage starting on sidewalks. @dougkammerer @capitalweather #snow pic.twitter.com/PXE17hO1G9 — Aaron Skolnik (@MDReferee) January 23, 2015
Fat flakes falling in Germantown. Some slushy stickage starting on sidewalks. @dougkammerer @capitalweather #snow pic.twitter.com/PXE17hO1G9Fat flakes falling in Germantown. Some slushy stickage starting on sidewalks. @dougkammerer @capitalweather #snow pic.twitter.com/PXE17hO1G9
— Aaron Skolnik (@MDReferee) January 23, 2015— Aaron Skolnik (@MDReferee) January 23, 2015
@capitalweather Ice is starting to cover everything around Mount Vernon! pic.twitter.com/VtuSFPp7WL — Patriotic American (@ClaireBtweets) January 23, 2015@capitalweather Ice is starting to cover everything around Mount Vernon! pic.twitter.com/VtuSFPp7WL — Patriotic American (@ClaireBtweets) January 23, 2015
@capitalweather Ice is starting to cover everything around Mount Vernon! pic.twitter.com/VtuSFPp7WL@capitalweather Ice is starting to cover everything around Mount Vernon! pic.twitter.com/VtuSFPp7WL
— Patriotic American (@ClaireBtweets) January 23, 2015— Patriotic American (@ClaireBtweets) January 23, 2015
@WeatherNation @capitalweather @WNEW @laurynricketts snow on the at with sleet mixed in here in Leesburg Va pic.twitter.com/R1f6WnYDgy — Dave Johnson (@AviationandWX) January 23, 2015@WeatherNation @capitalweather @WNEW @laurynricketts snow on the at with sleet mixed in here in Leesburg Va pic.twitter.com/R1f6WnYDgy — Dave Johnson (@AviationandWX) January 23, 2015
@WeatherNation @capitalweather @WNEW @laurynricketts snow on the at with sleet mixed in here in Leesburg Va pic.twitter.com/R1f6WnYDgy@WeatherNation @capitalweather @WNEW @laurynricketts snow on the at with sleet mixed in here in Leesburg Va pic.twitter.com/R1f6WnYDgy
— Dave Johnson (@AviationandWX) January 23, 2015— Dave Johnson (@AviationandWX) January 23, 2015
6:25 p.m. update: A number of reports of snow have been coming in from places like Manassas and Ashburn, and even into D.C. Some are wondering if this is on its way to a snow boom.6:25 p.m. update: A number of reports of snow have been coming in from places like Manassas and Ashburn, and even into D.C. Some are wondering if this is on its way to a snow boom.
So far, all rather expected. Temperatures aloft are still supportive of snow, especially in heavier bursts of precipitation. We have mentioned that a big heavy batch could come in during this time, dropping snow everywhere. Instead, it’s been more spotty, but still doing the same thing. The short range HRRR model shows temperatures aloft below, looking at a current panel and a forecast for 8 p.m.So far, all rather expected. Temperatures aloft are still supportive of snow, especially in heavier bursts of precipitation. We have mentioned that a big heavy batch could come in during this time, dropping snow everywhere. Instead, it’s been more spotty, but still doing the same thing. The short range HRRR model shows temperatures aloft below, looking at a current panel and a forecast for 8 p.m.
850 mb (5,000 feet) temperatures are often used as a proxy for simple forecasting of snow vs something else. As seen above, they’re right around freezing presently. Any heavier precipitation helps cool the column enough for snow to reach the surface. With time, temperatures at this level are forecast to warm, but not much. Hence the bit of extra uncertainty to the forecasts on this one.850 mb (5,000 feet) temperatures are often used as a proxy for simple forecasting of snow vs something else. As seen above, they’re right around freezing presently. Any heavier precipitation helps cool the column enough for snow to reach the surface. With time, temperatures at this level are forecast to warm, but not much. Hence the bit of extra uncertainty to the forecasts on this one.
As temperatures continue to dip through the low-and-mid 30s across elevated area north and west over the next few hours, deteriorating conditions are possible. Further east, light accumulating is also a risk, especially in those heavier bursts. Bridges, sidewalks, and some streets may become slippery in places above freezing as well.As temperatures continue to dip through the low-and-mid 30s across elevated area north and west over the next few hours, deteriorating conditions are possible. Further east, light accumulating is also a risk, especially in those heavier bursts. Bridges, sidewalks, and some streets may become slippery in places above freezing as well.
5:35 p.m. update: Mixed precipitation has pushed north to the Maryland/Pennsylvania border. Based on reports, the most common type currently falling is sleet, with rain also mixed in to varying degrees for much of the I-95 and southeast area. Pockets of snow are also around, mainly in the briefly heavier zones, or well north and west of the city (parts of Loudoun, Montgomery counties as example).5:35 p.m. update: Mixed precipitation has pushed north to the Maryland/Pennsylvania border. Based on reports, the most common type currently falling is sleet, with rain also mixed in to varying degrees for much of the I-95 and southeast area. Pockets of snow are also around, mainly in the briefly heavier zones, or well north and west of the city (parts of Loudoun, Montgomery counties as example).
Most of the immediate area is now seeing temperatures in the mid-and-upper 30s. Temperature falls should be slow during the coming period. Some slick spots can’t be ruled out in the short term where heavier sleet occurs, even if it’s above freezing, as it can take some time to melt on contact. Additional slick spots may develop in far western and northern suburbs in the hours ahead as temperatures fall nearer freezing out there.Most of the immediate area is now seeing temperatures in the mid-and-upper 30s. Temperature falls should be slow during the coming period. Some slick spots can’t be ruled out in the short term where heavier sleet occurs, even if it’s above freezing, as it can take some time to melt on contact. Additional slick spots may develop in far western and northern suburbs in the hours ahead as temperatures fall nearer freezing out there.
got frozen stuff on my windshield. @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/II1pXwobB8 — liz espinosa | rwoth (@liziship) January 23, 2015got frozen stuff on my windshield. @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/II1pXwobB8 — liz espinosa | rwoth (@liziship) January 23, 2015
got frozen stuff on my windshield. @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/II1pXwobB8got frozen stuff on my windshield. @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/II1pXwobB8
— liz espinosa | rwoth (@liziship) January 23, 2015— liz espinosa | rwoth (@liziship) January 23, 2015
Sleeting near Potomac Yards but the roads are fine. @capitalweather — Virginia (@No_Apathy) January 23, 2015Sleeting near Potomac Yards but the roads are fine. @capitalweather — Virginia (@No_Apathy) January 23, 2015
Sleeting near Potomac Yards but the roads are fine. @capitalweatherSleeting near Potomac Yards but the roads are fine. @capitalweather
— Virginia (@No_Apathy) January 23, 2015— Virginia (@No_Apathy) January 23, 2015
4:41 p.m. update: The National Weather Service has dropped the Winter Weather Advisory for the District, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County since temperatures will likely be too warm for hazardous conditions to develop.4:41 p.m. update: The National Weather Service has dropped the Winter Weather Advisory for the District, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County since temperatures will likely be too warm for hazardous conditions to develop.
4:30 p.m. update: Mixed precipitation – wet snowflakes, sleet, and some rain drops – has now spread across the Beltway and is impinging on D.C.’s northern suburbs. Locations where precipitation has begun have seen temperatures drop back into the upper 30s (even mid-30s in central Virginia), but it’s still not cold enough to worry about roads.4:30 p.m. update: Mixed precipitation – wet snowflakes, sleet, and some rain drops – has now spread across the Beltway and is impinging on D.C.’s northern suburbs. Locations where precipitation has begun have seen temperatures drop back into the upper 30s (even mid-30s in central Virginia), but it’s still not cold enough to worry about roads.
@capitalweather soft but steady flurries in Bethesda. — kim jong deux (@injostice) January 23, 2015@capitalweather soft but steady flurries in Bethesda. — kim jong deux (@injostice) January 23, 2015
@capitalweather soft but steady flurries in Bethesda.@capitalweather soft but steady flurries in Bethesda.
— kim jong deux (@injostice) January 23, 2015— kim jong deux (@injostice) January 23, 2015
Flakes falling in downtown Silver Spring. @capitalweather — Starlight Geek (@starlightgeek) January 23, 2015Flakes falling in downtown Silver Spring. @capitalweather — Starlight Geek (@starlightgeek) January 23, 2015
Flakes falling in downtown Silver Spring. @capitalweatherFlakes falling in downtown Silver Spring. @capitalweather
— Starlight Geek (@starlightgeek) January 23, 2015— Starlight Geek (@starlightgeek) January 23, 2015
@capitalweather Flurries in Herndon and 39 degrees — Greg Wilson (@gregwilsonpr) January 23, 2015@capitalweather Flurries in Herndon and 39 degrees — Greg Wilson (@gregwilsonpr) January 23, 2015
@capitalweather Flurries in Herndon and 39 degrees@capitalweather Flurries in Herndon and 39 degrees
— Greg Wilson (@gregwilsonpr) January 23, 2015— Greg Wilson (@gregwilsonpr) January 23, 2015
3:55 p.m. update: Light snow, mixed with sleet and rain in spots, has developed just west of I-95 and will rapidly spread through the D.C. area over the next hour. Temperatures are well above freezing, so no commuting problems expected. However, temperatures will slowly fall over the next couple of hours.3:55 p.m. update: Light snow, mixed with sleet and rain in spots, has developed just west of I-95 and will rapidly spread through the D.C. area over the next hour. Temperatures are well above freezing, so no commuting problems expected. However, temperatures will slowly fall over the next couple of hours.
Reports:Reports:
A mix of snow and sleet has just begun in Annandale @capitalweather #WhetherWeatherRainsOrSnows — Matthew Stensrud (@matthewstensrud) January 23, 2015A mix of snow and sleet has just begun in Annandale @capitalweather #WhetherWeatherRainsOrSnows — Matthew Stensrud (@matthewstensrud) January 23, 2015
A mix of snow and sleet has just begun in Annandale @capitalweather #WhetherWeatherRainsOrSnowsA mix of snow and sleet has just begun in Annandale @capitalweather #WhetherWeatherRainsOrSnows
— Matthew Stensrud (@matthewstensrud) January 23, 2015— Matthew Stensrud (@matthewstensrud) January 23, 2015
Seeing a few (emphasis on few) snow flurries here in #Tenleytown @capitalweather — Tenleytown, DC (@Tenleytown_DC) January 23, 2015Seeing a few (emphasis on few) snow flurries here in #Tenleytown @capitalweather — Tenleytown, DC (@Tenleytown_DC) January 23, 2015
Seeing a few (emphasis on few) snow flurries here in #Tenleytown @capitalweatherSeeing a few (emphasis on few) snow flurries here in #Tenleytown @capitalweather
— Tenleytown, DC (@Tenleytown_DC) January 23, 2015— Tenleytown, DC (@Tenleytown_DC) January 23, 2015
And interesting mix of flurries and sprinkles or coming down here in Centreville. @capitalweather — Bryan Graham (@BryanGrahamVA) January 23, 2015And interesting mix of flurries and sprinkles or coming down here in Centreville. @capitalweather — Bryan Graham (@BryanGrahamVA) January 23, 2015
And interesting mix of flurries and sprinkles or coming down here in Centreville. @capitalweatherAnd interesting mix of flurries and sprinkles or coming down here in Centreville. @capitalweather
— Bryan Graham (@BryanGrahamVA) January 23, 2015— Bryan Graham (@BryanGrahamVA) January 23, 2015
snow flurries are flying in Fairfax! @capitalweather — Lacy Jackson (@lacyluu) January 23, 2015snow flurries are flying in Fairfax! @capitalweather — Lacy Jackson (@lacyluu) January 23, 2015
snow flurries are flying in Fairfax! @capitalweathersnow flurries are flying in Fairfax! @capitalweather
— Lacy Jackson (@lacyluu) January 23, 2015— Lacy Jackson (@lacyluu) January 23, 2015
Original post, from 3:45 p.m.Original post, from 3:45 p.m.
A mixed bag of precipitation surges into the region this evening and becomes heavy at times overnight. In the immediate metro area and points south and east, roads should remain just west as any frozen precipitation is short-lived. But as you get into Loudoun and northern Montgomery County, some accumulation of snow and sleet and slipperiness are possible. The worst conditions should be from Winchester through Frederick and into Baltimore’s northwest suburbs and to the northwest.A mixed bag of precipitation surges into the region this evening and becomes heavy at times overnight. In the immediate metro area and points south and east, roads should remain just west as any frozen precipitation is short-lived. But as you get into Loudoun and northern Montgomery County, some accumulation of snow and sleet and slipperiness are possible. The worst conditions should be from Winchester through Frederick and into Baltimore’s northwest suburbs and to the northwest.
Through Tonight: More rain is favored from I-95 and to the southeast (though a little snow or sleet could mix in), a mix of rain, sleet, and snow just to the northwest of I-95, and more snow from Winchester through Frederick and into the northwest suburbs of Baltimore. The heaviest precipitation falls between roughly 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. and then gradually tapers off during the pre-dawn hours. Lows range from the 30 in our colder suburbs to the mid-30s downtown. See the map below for our most likely snow accumulation forecast.Through Tonight: More rain is favored from I-95 and to the southeast (though a little snow or sleet could mix in), a mix of rain, sleet, and snow just to the northwest of I-95, and more snow from Winchester through Frederick and into the northwest suburbs of Baltimore. The heaviest precipitation falls between roughly 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. and then gradually tapers off during the pre-dawn hours. Lows range from the 30 in our colder suburbs to the mid-30s downtown. See the map below for our most likely snow accumulation forecast.
Tomorrow (Saturday): Areas of light rain are possible in the immediate metro area and points south and east in the morning, with freezing drizzle or light snow in our colder suburbs to the north and west. Some slick conditions are most likely from northern Montgomery and Loudoun county and to the northwest. During the afternoon, just some lingering drizzle or light snow flurries are possible. Highs range from 35-40, with winds from the north and northwest at 10-15 mph, with some higher gusts in the afternoon.Tomorrow (Saturday): Areas of light rain are possible in the immediate metro area and points south and east in the morning, with freezing drizzle or light snow in our colder suburbs to the north and west. Some slick conditions are most likely from northern Montgomery and Loudoun county and to the northwest. During the afternoon, just some lingering drizzle or light snow flurries are possible. Highs range from 35-40, with winds from the north and northwest at 10-15 mph, with some higher gusts in the afternoon.
Saturday night and Sunday: Skies should gradually clear Saturday evening with temperatures falling back into the mid-20s in our colder suburbs to near 30 downtown. A few slick spots could form in our colder suburbs overnight. On Sunday, mostly sunny skies in the morning become mostly cloudy in the afternoon, with highs near 40. By late in the afternoon, there’s a slight chance of light snow and/or light rain developing.Saturday night and Sunday: Skies should gradually clear Saturday evening with temperatures falling back into the mid-20s in our colder suburbs to near 30 downtown. A few slick spots could form in our colder suburbs overnight. On Sunday, mostly sunny skies in the morning become mostly cloudy in the afternoon, with highs near 40. By late in the afternoon, there’s a slight chance of light snow and/or light rain developing.
See our update on the potential for snow Sunday night and Monday, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter . For related traffic news, check out Dr. Gridlock.See our update on the potential for snow Sunday night and Monday, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter . For related traffic news, check out Dr. Gridlock.