McLean weather is a fickle beast, honestly. If you’ve lived in Northern Virginia long enough, you know the drill: you wake up to frost and by lunch, you’re wondering if you can get away with just a light hoodie.
Right now, looking at the weather forecast McLean VA, we're staring down a pretty classic winter "mixed bag" scenario. It’s currently a chilly 37°F outside as of the early hours of Saturday, January 17, 2026. But that number is a bit of a lie because the wind is biting at 10 mph from the south, making it feel more like 30°F.
👉 See also: Why the Journey When the Lights Go Down Defines Modern Nightlife Culture
Basically, it's the kind of damp cold that gets into your bones.
What’s Actually Happening Today in McLean?
Today is going to be one of those messy transition days. We’re looking at a high of 44°F, which sounds decent on paper, but the sky is going to be a stubborn shade of gray.
Light rain is the main story for the daylight hours. The National Weather Service out of the Baltimore/Washington office is tracking a 63% chance of precipitation during the day. If you’re heading out to Tysons Corner or just grabbing coffee at Balducci’s, keep the umbrella in the car.
Tonight, things get interesting. As the temperature dips toward a low of 34°F, that rain is likely to flirt with a 35% chance of snow. It’s not a blizzard—don't go panic-buying all the milk and bread just yet—but it’s enough to make the roads slick and the morning commute a headache.
👉 See also: 30 day weather forecast long beach ca: What Everyone Gets Wrong About Winter at the Coast
The Northern Virginia Drought Factor
There is a weird irony happening in Fairfax County right now. Despite the rain and snow showers in the weather forecast McLean VA, the region is actually under a drought warning.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recently escalated this from a "watch" because our groundwater levels are hitting "emergency" status.
Why does this matter to you?
Well, even though it feels wet outside today, the cumulative precipitation deficit is real. It’s been a dry winter overall. Local experts are watching the Shenandoah and Potomac basins closely. This "rain-to-snow" mix we're seeing today is exactly what the region needs to recharge the soil, even if it makes your Saturday morning errands a bit annoying.
Surviving a McLean Winter (Simply)
Most people get Northern Virginia winters wrong. They think it’s all or nothing—either a foot of snow or a mild 50 degrees.
✨ Don't miss: Who is Sam Adams? The Revolutionary Firebrand vs. The Beer Icon
The reality? It's the freeze-thaw cycle.
Because our temperatures hover so close to that 32°F mark, we get a lot of "black ice." Today's high of 44°F followed by a low of 34°F (and even lower 22°F predicted for Sunday night) is a recipe for treacherous sidewalks.
Quick Winter Tips for Locals:
- Check the Dewpoint: When the temperature and dewpoint are close, expect fog or frost.
- Layering is Key: A south wind at 9 mph like we have today can change direction fast.
- Water Conservation: Since we're in a drought warning, keep those showers under five minutes. It sounds small, but across a place like McLean, it adds up.
Looking ahead, M.L. King Day on Monday is looking crisp and sunny with a high of 38°F. If you’re planning on being outdoors, that’s your best bet. Just be ready for Tuesday, as the mercury is set to plunge to a high of only 26°F.
Stay warm out there. The humidity is sitting at 40% right now, but it’ll climb as that rain moves in. Grab the heavy coat, keep an eye on the radar, and maybe skip the car wash until later next week.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor Local Alerts: Keep an eye on the Fairfax County emergency dashboard for updates on the drought warning and potential water restrictions.
- Prep for the Freeze: If you have outdoor spigots that aren't winterized, do it now before the 22°F low hits on Sunday night.
- Check Your Tires: Temperature swings cause air pressure to drop; a quick top-off can save you from a "low tire" light on a freezing Monday morning.