The D.C. area may see its first taste of winter on Friday as a fast-moving disturbance slides across the Mid-Atlantic, bringing light snow just in time for the morning commute. While the system is not expected to deliver heavy accumulation, the early timing and near-freezing temperatures could still cause slippery travel in parts of the region.
Forecasters say snow is expected to begin developing before dawn, most likely between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., gradually spreading from the northwest suburbs toward the District. Areas closer to the city and points south will likely experience a brief mix of rain and snow before colder air allows flakes to take over.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for communities north and west of D.C.-including portions of Montgomery and Loudoun counties-where 1 to 2 inches of snow may accumulate. A few isolated spots in the far northwestern suburbs could approach 3 inches. Inside the Capital Beltway, snowfall will be far lighter, with many neighborhoods only seeing a thin coating or up to a half-inch on colder surfaces.
Even minor amounts may be enough to cause trouble during the busiest travel hours. Snowfall is expected to continue through much of the morning commute, tapering off between 9 a.m. and noon. With temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses may develop slick patches. Transportation officials are urging drivers to allow extra time, reduce speed, and stay alert to changing conditions.
This could become the first measurable snowfall of the season for Washington, which typically records its first 0.1 inch of snow by mid-December. The region’s last December first-snow event occurred in 2022.
After the system moves out, skies are expected to clear by Friday afternoon, ushering in a colder weekend with daytime highs struggling to reach the upper 30s and lower 40s.
Commuters are encouraged to check updated weather and road reports before heading out on Friday morning, as small changes in the rain-snow line could influence impacts across the region.
