Honestly, if you're looking up the weather Washington DC 20009, you're probably standing on a street corner in Adams Morgan or Columbia Heights wondering why the wind feels like it’s personally insulting you.
It’s January 16, 2026. Right now, it is 36°F outside. But let’s be real—the "feels like" is sitting at a biting 30°F.
Most people think DC weather is just "East Coast standard," but the 20009 zip code has its own vibe. You’ve got the elevation of Meridian Hill and the wind tunnels created by those gorgeous pre-war apartment buildings. It’s not just cold; it’s DC cold, which usually means a mix of high humidity and a breeze that finds every gap in your scarf.
The Current Situation in 20009
Right now, the sky is mostly cloudy. We’re looking at a south wind at 8 mph, which is just enough to make that 36-degree air feel significantly sharper. If you're planning on heading out to 18th Street for dinner tonight, keep an eye on the sky. There’s a 10% chance of snow during the day, but that jumps up to 35% tonight.
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Don't expect a blizzard. It’s more likely to be that annoying, slushy mix that makes the sidewalks slick. The overnight low is dropping to 23°F, so anything that falls is going to freeze solid by the time you're getting coffee tomorrow morning.
The Week Ahead: A Total Rollercoaster
If you hate the weather right now, just wait twenty-four hours. That’s basically the mantra for Washington weather.
- Saturday, Jan 17: It actually warms up to 46°F. Sounds nice, right? Wrong. It’s coming with a 45% chance of light rain and snow. It's going to be damp and messy.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The temperature T-bones back down to a high of 35°F. More light snow is possible (20% chance), and the wind shifts to the northwest.
- Monday, Jan 19: Finally, some Vitamin D. It’ll be sunny with a high of 38°F, but Monday night is going to be brutal at 18°F.
Why 20009 Feels Different
Geographically, the 20009 area—covering Adams Morgan, Kalorama, and parts of U Street—is higher up than the National Mall. When a "code yellow" snow event hits, as the District Snow Team likes to call it, the slush on Pennsylvania Avenue often turns into actual sticking snow once you trek up 16th Street.
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The humidity here is the secret killer. Even in winter, DC stays relatively moist compared to places like Colorado or Montana. Today’s humidity is 31%, which is actually low for us, but as we head into Saturday, it’ll spike to 59%. That moisture holds the cold against your skin. It’s a "wet cold" that gets into your bones.
Survival Guide for the Next 48 Hours
If you’re living in or visiting the 20009 area this weekend, skip the heavy floor-length parka if you're going to be ducking in and out of shops on U Street. The museums and bars in DC notoriously "blast" the heat. You’ll be sweating inside of five minutes.
Instead, layer up with a medium puffer and a solid base layer. And for the love of everything, watch out for "black ice" on the side streets near Ontario Rd and Lanier Pl. The city crews are great at salting the bus routes, but the residential hills in 20009 can stay sketchy for days.
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Basically, expect a messy mix. Saturday will be the "warm" day at 46°F, but it'll be the least pleasant to be outside. Sunday is better for a brisk walk, provided you’ve got a wind-resistant shell.
Actionable Insights for DC Residents:
- Check your tailpipes: If we do get that 35% overnight snow, and you’re idling your car to defrost it, make sure the exhaust isn't blocked by a drift. Carbon monoxide is no joke.
- Salt early: If you have a stoop in Adams Morgan, put down your de-icer before the sun goes down today. That 23°F overnight low will turn today's 10% moisture into a skating rink.
- Layering is King: Wear a moisture-wicking base. The humidity jump tomorrow means you'll feel clammy if you over-dress while walking.
Stay warm, keep your phone charged, and maybe grab that extra loaf of bread today before the Saturday "rain-snow" panic hits the Safeway on Columbia Rd.