If you’re standing on a street corner in Northeast DC, maybe near Union Station or H Street, you’ve probably noticed that the air feels a little different than it does in the suburbs. There’s this weird microclimate thing happening in the 20002 zip code. People always assume the District is just a swampy mess, but honestly, the winter reality in Washington DC 20002 weather is way more erratic than the "humid subtropical" label suggests.
Right now, as of late Saturday afternoon, January 17, 2026, things are looking pretty crisp. It's currently 36°F outside. If you’re heading out for dinner on H Street, you’ll feel a light 3 mph breeze coming from the southeast. The sky is mostly clear but has those periodic clouds that catch the city lights. Humidity is sitting high at 83%, so that 36 degrees feels a bit more "bone-chilling" than "refreshing."
The Snow Panic is Real (and Coming)
You’ve lived here long enough to know that DC residents treat an inch of snow like a literal apocalypse. Well, tonight might be one of those nights. While today’s high hit a decent 45°F, the temperature is going to bottom out at 34°F. We’ve got a 61% chance of light snow tonight. It’s that classic DC move where it rains during the day (35% chance earlier) and then tries to freeze the moment the sun goes down.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is where things get messy. We’re looking at a high of only 36°F and a low of 25°F. There’s a 40% chance of snow during the day. If you’re planning on hitting the NoMa farmers market or grabbing coffee, keep in mind the wind is shifting to the northwest at 9 mph. That’s going to make the "real feel" significantly lower than what your phone screen says.
Why 20002 Feels Different
The 20002 zip code covers a massive chunk of Northeast—stretching from the edge of Capitol Hill up through Carver Langston. Because it’s so densely packed with rowhomes and asphalt, it holds onto heat differently than the leafy parts of Northwest or the open spaces of the National Mall.
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- Urban Heat Island: On those "sunny" days in the forecast—like Monday and Tuesday—the bricks in 20002 soak up every bit of the 38°F and 27°F highs.
- The Wind Tunnel Effect: Walk down K Street NE toward the rails, and the wind feels twice as fast. On Monday, we’re expecting 13 mph gusts from the southwest. That’s enough to make a 38-degree day feel like the teens.
- Precipitation Roulette: DC is notorious for being on the "rain-snow line." A two-degree difference determines if you're shoveling or just dealing with wet shoes.
The 10-Day Deep Freeze
Looking further out, the Washington DC 20002 weather is about to take a nose dive into some seriously frigid territory. Honestly, it’s a bit brutal. By next Tuesday, January 20, the high won't even break freezing, peaking at a measly 27°F.
But wait, it gets "better." Check out the tail end of the forecast. By Tuesday, January 27, we’re looking at a high of 19°F and a low of 5°F. Five degrees! In the city! That is rare for DC. Usually, our "coldest" nights in January average around 27°F to 30°F. Dropping to 5°F is the kind of weather that causes pipes to burst in these 100-year-old rowhouses.
| Date | Condition | High/Low | Precip Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19 | Sunny | 38°/18°F | 0% |
| Jan 21 | Sunny | 39°/19°F | 0% |
| Jan 24 | Rain/Snow | 36°/24°F | 35% |
| Jan 26 | Snow Showers | 25°/14°F | 35% |
Surviving the Northeast Chill
Basically, if you’re in 20002, you need to prepare for a wild ride over the next week. We’re going from a rainy 45 degrees today to a potential 5-degree night in just ten days. That’s a 40-degree swing.
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If you're a local, you know the drill: check the "bread and milk" status at the Giant on 3rd Street before the Saturday night snow hits. But more importantly, keep an eye on those Tuesday night lows. When it hits 17°F (this coming Tuesday) or 5°F (the following Tuesday), you’ll want to make sure your outdoor faucets are covered.
The humidity is going to drop significantly as the cold air moves in, falling from 83% tonight to just 29% by Tuesday. It’s going to be that dry, stinging cold.
What You Should Do Right Now
Don't let the "sunny" icons for Monday and Tuesday fool you. It’s going to be cold.
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- Tonight: Watch for that 61% snow chance starting late. It probably won't be a blizzard, but 34°F is the perfect temp for a "slush-pocalypse" that turns into a sheet of ice by morning.
- Next Weekend: Saturday the 24th is showing a mix of rain and snow. That's usually the worst for driving in DC because nobody knows how to handle the slush.
- The Big Freeze: Plan for the 5°F low on the 27th. If you have elderly neighbors in the neighborhood, maybe check in to make sure their heat is holding up.
Stay warm out there. Northeast DC is beautiful in the snow, but it's a lot less fun when you're caught without gloves on a 15 mph wind-chill day.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tire pressure; the 40-degree temperature drop over the next week will likely trigger your "low pressure" sensor.
- Drip your faucets starting Monday night to prevent freezing during the upcoming sub-20°F stretch.
- Salt your sidewalk before the 61% snow chance tonight to prevent the overnight freeze-over.