If you've ever stood on the tarmac at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) feeling that biting wind whip off the Potomac, you know that "airport weather" is a completely different beast than whatever is happening at the National Mall. Honestly, the microclimate at DCA is enough to make any traveler a little paranoid.
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re looking at a classic mid-winter setup that’s basically a lesson in "dress in layers or regret it."
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Right now, it’s 26°F outside. But because life is rarely fair, the feels-like temperature is a much sharper 19°F. That 7-degree difference is thanks to a 6 mph wind coming out of the west. It’s currently partly sunny with 46% humidity, so the air has that crisp, lung-stinging quality characteristic of a January morning in the District.
The DCA Forecast: What’s Actually Happening Today
While the sun is trying its best, the clouds are winning the battle for the sky. The daytime condition is listed as mostly cloudy with a high temperature of 37°F. That’s basically the ceiling for the day, and it’s not exactly tropical.
You might see a few flakes drifting down—there’s a 10% chance of snow during the daylight hours. It’s nothing that will ground a flight, but it’s enough to make you look out the window and wonder.
The Overnighter: Rain and Snow Mix
Things get a little messier once the sun goes down. If you’re on one of those late-night arrivals or early-morning departures, pay attention. The night-time condition transitions into a rain and snow mix.
- Low Temperature: 24°F
- Precipitation Chance: 35% (primarily snow)
- Wind: Shifting to the southwest at 8 mph
The humidity is actually expected to drop slightly to 37% as the day progresses, which is a bit counter-intuitive when you’re expecting precipitation, but that’s the Mid-Atlantic for you.
Navigating the DCA Microclimate
The reason weather at DCA matters more than, say, Dulles (IAD), is the proximity to the water. The Potomac River acts like a thermal battery. Sometimes it keeps the airport just warm enough to turn a predicted snowstorm into a slushy mess; other times, it provides the moisture needed to turn a "dusting" into a legitimate visibility issue for pilots.
Current reports show that departure delays at Reagan National are averaging about 53 minutes and, unfortunately, they've been trending upward. While the ground weather isn't "blizzard status," the wind gusts (which have hit up to 25 mph recently) and the broader jet stream dip are causing headaches across the East Coast flight corridors.
Looking Ahead: The Polar Vortex Factor
The "January Thaw" we saw earlier this month is officially dead. We’re moving into a pattern dominated by the polar vortex, which means these sub-freezing lows are going to be a recurring theme through the end of the month.
For those looking at the week ahead, Saturday is looking like a mix of scattered snow showers before 10 am, followed by rain as the temperature climbs toward a high of 47°F. It’s a messy, wet transition. Sunday brings another 30% chance of snow before we clear out for a very cold but sunny Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Actionable Travel Insights for the Next 48 Hours
If you are flying in or out of DCA this weekend, don't just check the temperature—check the wind and the "feels-like" stats.
- Gate Strategy: If you’re waiting at the gate, stay away from the glass windows if you’re prone to chills; that Potomac wind seeps through the terminal more than you'd think.
- The 35% Rule: Tonight’s 35% chance of snow sounds low, but at an airport like DCA, that’s enough for de-icing protocols to kick in. Build an extra 45 minutes into your schedule for potential de-icing delays on the tarmac.
- Footwear: If you're parking in the economy lot and taking the shuttle, wear actual boots. The transition from the bus to the terminal tonight will likely involve slushy patches.
- Monitor the "Southwest Shift": The wind is shifting from West to Southwest tonight. This often changes the active runways at DCA, which can slightly alter taxi times.
Basically, it's a standard, chilly January day at DCA. Pack the heavy coat, keep an eye on your airline's app for those creeping 50-minute delays, and maybe grab a hot coffee once you clear security. You're going to need it.