Honestly, if you looked out your window in the District this morning and saw white flakes, you weren't hallucinating. But you probably weren't reaching for the heavy-duty shovel either. The weather at Washington DC today is basically a masterclass in Mid-Atlantic "maybe-snow." It’s that weird, slushy mix that makes the commute annoying but doesn't quite deliver the winter wonderland the kids were hoping for.
Right now, we are sitting at a crisp 38°F, but with a southwest wind kicking at 9 mph, it feels more like 33°F. If you’re heading out to grab coffee or walking the dog near the Mall, you’ve likely noticed the light rain. It’s damp. It’s gray. It is very much January in the DMV.
The Slushy Reality of Today's Forecast
People always ask why DC can't just pick a side—either give us a blizzard or a spring day. Today, the atmosphere is hedging its bets. We are looking at a high of 44°F, which is actually a bit milder than you’d expect for the middle of January. That’s the "sneaky" part of today's forecast. While the morning started with those conversational snowflakes, the temperature is climbing just enough to turn everything into a cold, steady rain.
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By this afternoon, the chance of precipitation is sitting at a hefty 84%. Most of that is going to be liquid. If you’re north of the Beltway or up toward Frederick, you might have seen a coating of snow, but for the heart of Washington, the ground is just too warm.
The humidity is hovering around 52%, which is relatively dry for a rainy day, but the clouds are locked in tight. Don't expect to see much of the sun; the UV index is bottoming out at 1. Basically, it's a "stay inside and order Pho" kind of Saturday.
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Breaking Down the Numbers
- Current Temp: 38°F (Feels like 33°F)
- Today's High: 44°F
- Tonight's Low: 35°F
- Wind: 9 mph from the South
- Precipitation: 84% chance (switching between rain and snow)
Why This Weekend is Kinda Tricky
The "weather at Washington DC today" is actually the opening act for a much bigger shift. While we are dealing with this sloppy rain-snow mix now, the real story is the cold front trailing behind it. Tonight, the mercury drops back down to 35°F.
The National Weather Service and the Capital Weather Gang have been tracking a disturbance that could bring more flakes after midnight. But here’s the thing: moisture is the limiting factor. The chance of snow drops to 40% overnight. Most of the meaningful accumulation is trending south and east of the city. If you’re in Alexandria or out toward Annapolis, you might have a better shot at seeing a dusting on the grass by Sunday morning than those of us in Northwest or Capitol Hill.
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The Arctic Blast is Looming
If you think today is chilly, just wait. We are currently in the middle of Washington's statistically coldest week of the year. Historically, the average high is around 44 degrees, which is exactly where we are hitting today. But the models are showing a massive "Polar Vortex" disruption coming for the start of the work week.
By Tuesday, we aren't talking about "feels like 33." We are looking at highs that might struggle to break the mid-20s. Today’s rain is basically the last bit of "mild" air we’re going to see for a while.
Actionable Tips for DC Residents Today
You don't need a sled, but you do need a plan.
- Check the Sump Pump: We've had a decent amount of rain lately, and today’s 84% precip chance will keep things soggy.
- Layer for Dampness: 38 degrees with rain feels significantly colder than 30 degrees and dry. A waterproof shell over a fleece is your best friend today.
- Watch the Bridges: Even though the air temp is 38°F, elevated surfaces like the Roosevelt Bridge or the Key Bridge can hold onto cold longer. Watch for slick spots during the transition from snow to rain.
- Prep for Tuesday: Use this gray Saturday to make sure you have salt for your sidewalk and that your car's battery is in good shape. The deep freeze coming in 72 hours is no joke.
The weather at Washington DC today is definitely a "muck" day. It’s not quite a snow day, and it’s certainly not a park day. It’s just Washington doing what it does best in the winter: keeping everyone guessing while they wait for the real cold to arrive.