D.C. weather is basically a mood ring. You wake up thinking it’s a standard winter morning and by sunset, you’re looking at a wintry mix that wasn't even on your radar.
Right now, Washington is sitting at 35°F.
It's clear out there tonight, but don't let that fool you. The humidity is hanging heavy at 85%, making that 35-degree mark feel a lot bitey-er than the number suggests. We’ve got a light breeze coming in from the southeast at 4 mph. It’s quiet. Maybe too quiet if you’re hoping to avoid the slushy mess that usually follows these setups.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Earlier today, we hit a high of 45°F. Honestly, for mid-January, that’s not half bad. It’s actually just about average for this time of year. But the transition is happening as we speak.
We’re looking at a low of 34°F tonight.
What’s interesting is how the atmosphere is shifting. While the current conditions are clear, the forecast is calling for light snow to move in overnight. There is a 47% chance of precipitation on the back half of this Saturday, specifically in the form of snow.
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Why Today Feels Different
Most people think D.C. winters are just gray and damp. Usually, they’re right. But today saw a mix of cloudy skies during the peak hours with a 35% chance of rain that kept things feeling pretty raw.
If you were out at the National Mall earlier, you probably noticed the wind was a bit more active, gusting around 9 mph from the south. It wasn’t a gale, but in 45-degree weather with high humidity, it gets under your coat.
- Current Temp: 35°F
- High Today: 45°F
- Low Tonight: 34°F
- Wind: 4 mph SE (Current) / 9 mph S (Daily)
- Humidity: 85% (Current) / 61% (Daily average)
- UV Index: 0 (It's nighttime, after all)
The Snow Situation
The "big" question for anyone checking the temperature Washington DC today is whether it’s actually going to stick. With the low only hitting 34°F, we are right on that frustrating line where snow turns into a slushy slurry.
The humidity is a major player here. At 85%, the air is nearly saturated. When that moisture meets the cooling temperatures late tonight, that "light snow" condition becomes much more likely. However, because we aren't dropping deep into the 20s, the ground might stay just warm enough to keep the accumulation to a minimum on the roads, even if the grass gets a dusting.
Looking at the Atmospheric Trends
If you look at the data from the National Weather Service, specifically the readings coming out of Reagan National, this is a classic "clipper" feel. These systems move fast. They don't usually dump a foot of snow, but they mess up your Sunday morning plans.
The wind shift is the giveaway. We’ve been seeing winds from the south and southeast today, which brought in that slightly "milder" 45-degree air. As that light snow moves in, expect the air to feel a lot heavier.
Practical Steps for Tonight
If you have to be out on the roads in the District late tonight or early tomorrow, keep a few things in mind.
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First, check your tire pressure. These 10-degree swings between the afternoon high and the overnight low are exactly when your "low air" light decides to pop up.
Second, don't trust the "clear" sky you see out the window right now. The moisture is already there—that 85% humidity is the evidence. The transition to light snow is expected to happen while most of the city is asleep.
Finally, if you're walking the dog, watch out for "invisible" slick spots. When the temperature Washington DC today hovers at 34°F or 35°F, bridges and overpasses freeze much faster than the sidewalk in front of your house. It's that weird D.C. microclimate thing where one block is fine and the next is a skating rink.
Stay warm and keep an eye on the radar if you're heading out after midnight.