Winter Weather Advisory Impacts Part Of NoVA On MLK Jr. Weekend

It's been a seesaw of weather in the new year with spring-like temperatures some days and precipitation with cold temperatures other days. Looking ahead to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, winter weather will stick around, and snow could come into the mix.

The National Weather Service's updated forecast calls for wintry mix to start the weekend on Saturday, Jan. 18. A winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax County and Loudoun County.

Although small amounts of snow and possibly freezing rain may fall, temperatures below freezing will make this precipitation more hazardous. Forecasters say there could be travel disruptions as well as icy conditions on untreated sidewalks and roads.

The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang expects more freezing rain, sleet and rain in the immediate DC area. "Early morning light snow may turn to a lull by late morning, as sleet and freezing rain begin mixing in and then fully taking over during the afternoon," the Capital Weather Gang's forecast says. That wintry mix is anticipated for much of the day, and slick conditions look likely, especially west of Interstate 95.

In DC, forecasters expect snow before 11 a.m., a snow and sleet mix between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and rain afterward. Snowfall will likely remain under an inch for the region.

Patient First urges residents to be cautious of slippery conditions, as icy patches can be hard to see. Shoes with gripping soles that provide traction are suggested when you're walking outdoors. If you come across an area that you believe may be icy, tap the edge of the area with your foot to check. Avoid carrying heavy items like shopping bags when walking on slippery surfaces, as it can affect balance and make you more likely to slip and fall.

Precipitation will clear up for Sunday and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but the Capital Weather Gang says winds will make the air feel colder Sunday. The Monday holiday looks sunny with high temperatures in the 30s.

Here's the full weather forecast for DC through the holiday weekend. To check the specific forecast and any weather advisories for your town, visit www.weather.gov/lwx.

Thursday: Sunny, with a temperature falling to around 47 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Scattered flurries are possible before midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The night brings increasing clouds, with a low around 26. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable.

Saturday: A chance of snow before 11 a.m., then snow and sleet likely between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then rain after 2 p.m. High near 41. South wind 5 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible. At night, expect rain before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Low around 35. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. West wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): Sunny, with a high near 35, and partly cloudy at night, with a low around 22.