NoVA, DC Weather: Snow In Hazardous Weather Outlook

WASHINGTON, DC — Arctic air is headed to the Washington, D.C., region on Tuesday, knocking highs out of the 50s and pushing temperatures just below freezing by evening, the National Weather Service says. A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for northern and central Virginia, and parts of Maryland, with early warnings that the Wednesday morning commute could be a slick one.

Areas included in the hazardous weather outlook include Fauquier and Loudoun counties.

Snowfall amounts will vary across the state, with Fredericksburg likely to get an inch, the National Mall in DC expected to receive up to 2 inches, and the Staunton area expected to get up to 2 inches, also, the Weather Service said.

Rain will likely change to snow and may accumulate several inches tonight before ending in central Virginia. If the threat materializes, it may cause travel disruptions, the NWS said.

There is a potential for hazardous commuting conditions for the Wednesday morning commute, Accuweather said. There is a 30 percent chance of accumulating snow Wednesday morning across the Baltimore/Washington DC metro areas, with up to an inch ofs now accumulation possible on area roads, with the highest chances north and west of Interstate 95.

"If this threat does materialize during the Wednesday morning rush-hour, many roads could quickly turn slippery and visibility may be reduced," Accuweather warned. "This could lead to dangerous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays. If commuting Wednesday morning, be aware of the possibility of significant travel disruptions. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options."

"This wet, sloppy weather continues at times today and even into tonight, when we start drawing in just enough cold air to trigger some wintry mischief by early tomorrow," the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang writes. "Most of our area stays warm enough to keep the roads wet vs. white, but some slick or slushy spots are possible, especially in our near-western to northwestern suburbs. Otherwise, cold weather returns for the rest of the workweek before we trend warmer and wetter this weekend."

Here's that latest forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Showers, mainly after 11am. High near 59. South wind 8 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Rain before 2am, then rain and snow. Low around 33. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday: Rain and snow, mainly before 8am. High near 41. West wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 37. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Friday: A chance of rain after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: Rain, mainly after 8pm. Low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday: Rain before 8am, then a chance of showers after 8am. High near 53. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.