DMV Alert: Watching the Weekend for Potential Round Two of Snow

While the DMV area is still navigating the icy aftermath of a massive winter storm, eyes are already turning to the sky for this coming weekend. As a deep freeze remains locked over D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, a new coastal system is developing that could bring another round of accumulating snow to our already white-covered landscape.

The Setup: Cold Air is Already in Place

Unlike many storms that have to "fight" to stay cold, the weekend's potential system will arrive while the region is in the middle of an arctic blast. Meteorologists note that because the ground is already frozen and air temperatures are expected to stay in the low 20s, any precipitation that falls will likely stick immediately.

• Timing: Forecasters are currently tracking the window from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.
• The "Coastal Hook": The exact impact depends on the track of a coastal low. A closer track would mean a significant snow event for the immediate metro area, while a track further out to sea might only clip the Eastern Shore.
• Precipitation Type: Because of the intense cold, this is expected to be a "dry" snow—the light, powdery kind that blows easily—though some models suggest sleet could mix in for areas south of the Beltway.

What the Models are Showing

While it is too early for final "inch counts," the current outlook suggests:

• Confidence: Medium. There is high confidence that a storm will form, but moderate uncertainty on exactly how much snow will fall in the District versus the suburbs.
• Accumulation Potential: Current projections show a 30% to 40% chance of measurable snow. Some early models hint at a "thump" of snow Sunday morning that could lead to several fresh inches on top of what we already have.

Hazardous Travel Concerns

Officials warn that even a minor snowfall this weekend could be more dangerous than usual. With the "deep freeze" preventing the previous storm's ice from melting, a new layer of snow would hide existing patches of "black ice," creating a double threat for drivers and pedestrians.

• The Saturday Shift: If you have weekend errands, Saturday morning appears to be the safest window before the next system begins to push in from the south.

Source Note: This weekend outlook is based on the latest tracking models and "Weather Alert" updates from ABC 7 (WJLA) and FOX45 (WBFF).