If you’ve lived in the District for more than a single winter, you know the drill. We get teased with a 50-degree Wednesday, everyone starts eyeing their light jackets, and then—bam—the Arctic air punches us right in the face. Honestly, the weather this weekend in DC is looking like a classic example of that Mid-Atlantic moodiness we love to complain about.
It’s gonna be cold. Like, "don't forget your gloves on the Metro" cold.
But there’s a bit more nuance to it than just a deep freeze. We are looking at a messy Saturday transition followed by a Sunday that basically feels like a walk-in freezer. If you have plans for MLK weekend, you’ve gotta time things right or you're gonna end up soggy and shivering on U Street.
What’s Actually Happening Saturday?
Most people see "rain and snow" on a weather app and immediately panic or start hoping for a sledding day. Let’s be real: Saturday, January 17, is likely to be a "conversational" snow event. That’s meteorologist-speak for "you'll see flakes, but don't bother buying extra milk."
According to the latest data from the National Weather Service and the Capital Weather Gang, Saturday morning starts with a wintry mix. We are talking rain and snow flakes duking it out as a cold front pushes through. The high is actually decent—reaching about 43°F—which means most of that white stuff will melt the second it hits the pavement.
🔗 Read more: Inner Corner Eyeliner: Why Your Eyes Look Small and How to Fix It
The real thing to watch is the timing.
Expect the messiest conditions late Saturday afternoon into the evening. While the chance of precipitation is only around 25% during the day, it's enough to make the air feel raw. If you're heading to the Hip Hop R&B Bar Crawl on U Street or catching Stomp at the National Theatre, just know that the "rain and snow" combo will likely turn into mostly cloudy skies by nightfall with a low of 32°F.
Basically, it’s a damp, chilly Saturday. Wear boots, not your favorite suede sneakers.
💡 You might also like: Finding Love Offline: Why Single Ladies Looking for Single Ladies are Ditching the Apps
Sunday: The Real Arctic Punch
If Saturday is the appetizer, Sunday is the main course of winter reality. The temperature is going to drop, and it’s going to stay there. We're looking at a high of just 36°F on Sunday, January 18.
The wind is the real kicker.
We’ve got northwest winds around 7 mph, which doesn't sound like much, but when the air is already hovering near freezing, it bites. The humidity is dropping to 46%, so it’s that dry, crisp cold that makes your nose sting.
Weekend Snapshot
- Saturday: High 43°F / Low 32°F. Wintry mix early, then just gray and cold.
- Sunday: High 36°F / Low 23°F. Mostly cloudy and legit freezing.
- The Vibe: Heavy coats, indoor museums, and extra hot coffee.
Is There Any Real Snow Coming?
Look, I know everyone wants a repeat of those massive historic blizzards, but the European and GFS models are being pretty stingy right now. Most of the energy for a real coastal storm is staying too far offshore. The Capital Weather Gang is putting the "snow potential index" at a measly 1 out of 10 for any accumulation.
We might see some flurries Sunday night or Monday (MLK Day), but don't expect to be digging your car out. The bigger story is the "Arctic Outbreak" looming for early next week. By Monday and Tuesday, we could be looking at lows in the teens. This weekend is just the transition into the coldest stretch of the winter so far.
How to Handle DC This Weekend
Since the weather this weekend in DC is keeping things indoors, it’s a perfect time to lean into the city's museum scene. The Phillips Collection just opened the "Peter Campus: There Somewhere" video installation—it’s peaceful, it’s indoors, and most importantly, it’s heated.
If you’re determined to be outside, maybe hit one of the ice rinks at the Sculpture Garden or the Wharf. If it's going to be cold, you might as well lean into the aesthetic, right?
👉 See also: Whole Fried Chicken: Why You Should Stop Cutting Up Your Bird
Actionable Next Steps:
- Layer up for Saturday afternoon: The transition from 43°F rain to 32°F night air is where most people get caught off guard and end up sick.
- Check your pipes: With Sunday night hitting a low of 23°F and Monday being even colder, make sure your heat is set consistently to avoid any freezing issues.
- Plan indoor transit: If you're heading to the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society concerts or the Kennedy Center, use the Metro to avoid the biting wind between parking garages and venues.
- Watch the Monday forecast: The "Arctic Outbreak" peaks early next week, so use this weekend to make sure you have your heavy-duty winter gear ready for the Tuesday morning commute.