If you’re walking through the National Mall today, you might think winter in the capital is just a myth. It’s roughly 55°F outside right now. People are actually shedding their heavy coats. Honestly, it’s one of those "fake spring" days that DC loves to tease us with before the real hammer drops.
But don't let the mild south wind at 6 mph fool you. The atmosphere is basically prepping for a massive shift. By tonight, that comfortable air is history. We’re looking at a 20% chance of snow as the mercury dives toward a low of 32°F. If you’re planning your Washington DC weather for next week strategy, pack the wool socks. It’s about to get weirdly cold, then messy, then just plain freezing.
The Arctic Punch is Real
Tomorrow, Thursday, is when the reality check hits. We’re going from a high of 55°F today to a high of only 31°F. That’s a 24-degree drop in about 24 hours. You've probably felt these swings before if you live in the Mid-Atlantic, but this one is particularly sharp because of the wind. We’re expecting west winds at 17 mph, which means the "feels like" temperature is going to be brutal.
Friday doesn't offer much of a reprieve. It’ll be mostly cloudy with a high of 35°F. The overnight low is expected to hit 19°F. That’s "pipe-bursting" territory for some of the older rowhomes in Capitol Hill or Georgetown.
Why Saturday is the Day to Watch
Saturday, January 17, is the wildcard. The forecast shows a high of 47°F, but there’s a 45% chance of rain and snow. This is the classic DC "conversational" snow event. It’s likely going to be that wet, slushy mix that makes the sidewalks on K Street a nightmare but doesn't actually stick long enough for a good photo of the monuments. Humidity will jump to 61%, making that 47°F feel much damper and colder than the number suggests.
Is Snow Actually Going to Stick?
Honestly, probably not much. While we have chances of snow or mixed precipitation on several days, the ground is still a bit warm from this week's mild start.
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- Thursday Night: Clear and cold (20°F).
- Saturday Night: Cloudy with a low of 30°F and lingering flakes.
- Sunday: Back to the deep freeze with a high of 34°F.
By Monday, January 19, the sun finally comes out, but it won't do much for the temperature. We’re looking at a high of 36°F and a low of 19°F again. If you’re heading out for MLK Day events, layers are not optional. You’ll want a base layer, a sweater, and a windproof shell.
The Bottom Line for Your Travel Plans
The biggest misconception about Washington DC weather for next week is that it’s just "cold." It’s actually a series of rapid-fire transitions. Tuesday, January 20, looks like the coldest day of the stretch, with a high of only 25°F and a bone-chilling low of 16°F. The wind will be coming from the northwest at 10 mph, adding a sharp bite to the air.
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If you’re visiting, keep your itinerary flexible for Saturday when the rain-snow mix is most likely to cause Metro delays or slick roads. Otherwise, the "sunny" days in the forecast (Monday and Tuesday) are deceptively frigid.
Next Steps for Staying Warm:
- Check the wind chill: The raw temperature won't tell the whole story on Thursday and Tuesday.
- Waterproof your shoes: Saturday’s slush will soak through standard canvas sneakers in minutes.
- Monitor the Saturday timing: If the "rain and snow" shifts more toward snow, expect the city to panic-buy bread and milk—it's a local tradition.