Honestly, if you're living in the District or just visiting to see the monuments, you've probably realized by now that the weather forecast Washington DC 10 days out is less of a rigid schedule and more of a "choose your own adventure" novel. One minute you’re walking by the Reflecting Pool in a light jacket, and the next, a rogue northwest wind has you questioning every life choice that led you outdoors.
Right now, we are staring down a classic January stretch. It's that weird mid-winter phase where the atmosphere can't decide if it wants to be a frozen tundra or a soggy mess. If you've been checking your phone every five minutes, you've likely seen the numbers jumping around.
Here is the real deal on what’s actually happening over the next week and a half.
The Immediate Mess: Rain, Flurries, and the "Dusting" Drama
Today, Saturday, January 17, is basically the opening act. We are looking at a high near 46°F with light rain likely throughout the morning. It’s not a washout, but it’s gray. It’s moody. It’s very D.C.
But wait. Tonight, as the temperature drops toward 34°F, that rain is going to try its hardest to turn into snow.
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Will it actually stick?
Probably not much. We’re talking about a 40% chance of snow overnight. Most local meteorologists, including the crew over at the Capital Weather Gang, are calling for a "dusting" at best. If you're out past midnight, you might see some flakes, but don't go looking for your sled just yet.
Sunday, January 18, is where the chill really sets in. The high only hits 35°F. There’s a 45% chance of snow during the day, mostly on the lighter side. The wind is shifting to the northwest at 10 mph, which is going to make that 35 degrees feel a lot more like 25.
The Frigid Turn: MLK Day and Beyond
Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the sky clears out completely. It’ll be sunny, which is great for the parades and events, but don't let the sun fool you. The high is only 38°F, and the low is going to bottom out at 20°F.
Then Tuesday happens.
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If you hate the cold, Tuesday, January 20, is your nemesis. We are looking at a high of only 27°F. That is a "stay inside and order Uber Eats" kind of day. With a low of 18°F, pipes are going to be shivering. Honestly, this is the coldest day in the current 10-day stretch.
The Mid-Week "Warm-Up" (Sort of)
By Wednesday, January 21, we start a slow climb back to reality.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high of 39°F.
- Thursday: This is the next "active" day. We’re looking at a mix of rain and snow with a high of 43°F. Because the temperature is staying above freezing during the day, it's likely going to be more of a slushy situation than a winter wonderland.
Why D.C. Weather Forecasts Are So Tricky
You've probably noticed that the weather forecast Washington DC 10 days in advance often changes by the time you actually get to day three. There’s a reason for that. We sit right in the "fall line" between the Piedmont and the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
We also have the "Urban Heat Island" effect. Basically, all that concrete and marble in the city center holds onto heat, which is why it might be snowing in Bethesda or Rockville while it's just raining at the National Mall.
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Experts from the National Weather Service often point out that weak La Niña conditions, like what we're seeing in early 2026, make these forecasts even more volatile. One week it's 50 degrees; the next, the polar vortex decides to take a vacation in Maryland.
Looking Toward the End of the Month
As we move into next weekend, the trend stays chilly but manageable.
- Friday, Jan 23: Partly sunny, high of 37°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: Light snow returns, high of 35°F.
- Sunday, Jan 25: Snow showers continue, with a high of 32°F.
The most interesting part of the long-range outlook is Monday, January 26. We are seeing a high of only 24°F with a 35% chance of snow. If that holds, it could be the start of a much more significant cold snap heading into February.
What You Should Actually Do
Stop trusting the "icon" on your weather app. A single snowflake icon doesn't mean a blizzard; it usually just means the humidity is high and it’s cold enough for something to fall.
- Check the "Feels Like" Temp: On Tuesday, the high is 27°F, but with the wind, it’ll feel like the teens. Plan your layers accordingly.
- Watch the Sunday Night Lows: We have several nights coming up where the low is between 16°F and 20°F. If you have outdoor plants you actually like, bring them in now.
- Prep for Slush: Thursday the 22nd looks like a mess. It’s that classic D.C. rain-snow mix that makes the Beltway a nightmare. If you can telework that day, do it.
Bottom line? The next 10 days in Washington are a reminder that winter is finally here. We've had a relatively mild start to the year, but the "bitter cold" the Almanac warned about for late January is definitely arriving on schedule. Pack the heavy coat, keep the salt handy for the sidewalk, and maybe buy some extra hot cocoa. You're gonna need it.