Honestly, Alexandria weather in mid-January is usually a coin toss between "brisk winter walk" and "stay inside with the kettle on." If you're looking at the 10 day forecast Alexandria VA, you're probably seeing that classic Virginia roller coaster where one day it's nearly 50 degrees and the next you're scraping frost off the windshield in 13-degree air.
Right now, Alexandria is sitting under some heavy cloud cover with a current temperature of 38°F, though it feels more like 31°F thanks to a 10 mph breeze coming up from the south. It’s that damp kind of cold that really gets into your bones if you aren't layered up properly.
What the Next Week Looks Like
Today, Saturday, January 17, we’re looking at a high of 46°F. Not terrible, right? But there’s a 44% chance of light rain during the day. As we move into tonight, that rain could actually transition into a bit of snow as the temperature drops to 35°F.
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Tomorrow is where things get interesting. Sunday, January 18 brings a high of only 36°F and a 45% chance of snow showers. Most of this probably won't stick for long on the pavement, but it'll definitely make Old Town look like a postcard for a few hours. By Sunday night, the mercury plunges to 21°F under clearing skies.
The Mid-Week Deep Freeze
If you’re planning your commute or a walk along the Potomac, Tuesday is the day to watch out for.
- Monday, Jan 19: Sunny but cold. High of 39°F, low of 20°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: This is the coldest day in the stretch. Expect a high of only 28°F and a bone-chilling low of 18°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: We start a slow climb back up. High of 40°F with mostly sunny skies.
The air is going to be incredibly dry during this period—humidity levels are expected to bottom out around 28% on Tuesday. Static electricity and chapped lips are basically guaranteed.
Late Week Moisture Returns
By Thursday, January 22, the temperature bounces back to a relatively balmy 44°F, but that warmth brings a wintry mix of rain and snow. It’s that messy, slushy weather Alexandria is famous for.
Heading into next weekend, the 10 day forecast Alexandria VA shows a steady trend toward even colder, snowier conditions. Sunday, January 25 through Tuesday, January 27 features highs ranging from 32°F down to 29°F, with snow showers or light snow mentioned almost every day. In fact, by Tuesday night, we might see the lowest temperature of the month so far at a frigid 13°F.
Why Alexandria Weather is So Unpredictable
Living near the Potomac River creates a microclimate that often baffles the big national weather models. The water temperature can sometimes keep the immediate waterfront a degree or two warmer, turning what would be a snowstorm into a rainy mess.
Expert meteorologists often point to the "rain-snow line" that frequently sets up right over the I-95 corridor. If you’re in the West End of Alexandria, you might see an inch of snow while someone down by the Torpedo Factory is just getting wet.
Preparing for the Cold Snap
Basically, you’ve got about 48 hours before the real arctic air hits.
- Check your pipes: When we hit those 13-degree lows next week, pipes in exterior walls are at risk.
- Layering is key: The swing from 46°F today to 18°F on Tuesday means your heavy wool coat is about to become your best friend.
- Watch the winds: We’re seeing consistent winds between 5 mph and 11 mph from the northwest later in the week, which makes the "feels like" temperature much lower than the actual thermometer reading.
Keep an eye on those Sunday snow showers. While it's only a 45% chance, Alexandria traffic doesn't need much of a reason to slow to a crawl. If you're heading to the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market today, bring the umbrella—that light rain is moving in fast.
If you are planning to travel or have outdoor events, the safest bet is to prepare for freezing conditions starting Monday night. The humidity will spike back up toward 80% by the end of the 10-day window, making the cold feel much more "heavy" and biting than the dry cold we'll experience mid-week.