Arctic Blast to Hit Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. as Weekend Storm Brings Snow and Temperatures 20–30 Degrees Below Normal Across the Mid-Atlantic

VIRGINIA — Mid-Atlantic Prepares for Two Rounds of Snow Followed by a Major Arctic Outbreak, Residents across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. are preparing for a high-impact winter weekend, as two storm systems and a powerful Arctic air mass combine to bring snow, plunging temperatures, and dangerous wind chills to the Mid-Atlantic region.

Forecast models and new meteorological analysis show the region entering a two-stage winter event:

A Friday clipper system bringing light snow, and
A stronger weekend storm capable of producing widespread accumulating snow before Arctic air floods the region.

ECMWF Models Show Sharp Temperature Drop Across the Mid-Atlantic

According to the ECMWF 06Z model:

The Mid-Atlantic will experience temperature departures of –15°F to –25°F below normal by Sunday night.
This places Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. beneath the leading edge of a powerful Arctic air mass descending from the Upper Midwest.
The temperature gradient is striking—while the West warms to 10–20 degrees above normal, the Mid-Atlantic undergoes a full pattern reversal into deep winter cold.

Highs in many areas may not reach above the 20s or low 30s, with wind chills falling into the teens and single digits.

Friday Clipper System: Light Snow but Slick Travel

A weakening Alberta clipper arrives Friday morning and continues through the afternoon, bringing:

Light accumulations of 0.5–2 inches
Most snow falling across northern Virginia, the District, and central/northern Maryland
Patchy slick roads, especially during the peak commute
Reduced visibility in fast-moving snow bands

Although snowfall totals remain modest, the powdery nature of the snow means even small amounts could cause travel delays.

Weekend Storm: Stronger System May Bring Wider Snow Coverage

Meteorologist Paul Dorian identifies the weekend system as “the most impressive” of the pattern — one that will tap into greater moisture and interact directly with approaching Arctic air.

Expected impacts across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. include:

• Widespread Snowfall

Forecast models support:

2–5 inches across the D.C. metro and northern Virginia
3–6+ inches possible in parts of Maryland
Higher totals in the Blue Ridge and western Maryland mountains

• Rapid Temperature Crash

Temperatures fall quickly behind the departing storm, creating:

Instant freezing of wet roads
Increased black ice risk overnight
Hazardous travel conditions lasting into early next week

• Intensified Winds

Gusts may contribute to:

Blowing snow
Reduced visibility
Bitter wind chills across the region

Arctic Outbreak Arrives Sunday Into Monday

The true Arctic air mass arrives immediately after the weekend snowfall.

Projected Conditions:

Lows in the teens across the D.C. metro
Single-digit lows possible in western Maryland and higher elevations of Virginia
Wind chills between 0°F and –10°F
Coldest Mid-Atlantic stretch so far this winter season

This cold wave is early for mid-December and may challenge infrastructure, school operations, and regional travel.

Virginia: Sharp Cold and Snowfall Likely Across the Northern Half of the State

Northern Virginia — including Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington counties — will see:

Friday light snow
Weekend totals between 2–5 inches
Wind chills near 0–5°F Sunday night

Western and mountainous Virginia may see heavier snow due to elevation effects.

Maryland: Higher Snow Totals Possible in Central and Northern Regions

Maryland stands to receive some of the highest snow totals in the region:

3–6 inches likely in central counties
More than 6 inches possible in western Maryland
Very cold temperatures moving in quickly behind the storm

Baltimore and the surrounding suburbs should prepare for slick travel and rapid icing after snowfall.

Washington D.C.: Two-Phase Snow Event With Bitter Cold Behind It

The nation’s capital will likely experience:

A Friday coating of snow
A Saturday night/Sunday morning accumulation
A winter pattern shift resulting in the coldest air of December so far

Wind chills in D.C. may fall into the upper single digits by Monday morning.

Why This Mid-Atlantic Event Is Significant

This pattern stands out because:

It features multiple snow-producing systems
Cold air arrives immediately after the weekend storm
Temperature anomalies of –15 to –25 degrees are unusually strong for early December
The shift could signal a colder trend for the remainder of the month

The Mid-Atlantic often sits on the boundary between warm and cold air — but this outbreak pushes the region decisively into winter.

Residents Encouraged to Prepare Early

Forecasters advise residents across VA, MD, and D.C. to:

Monitor updated forecasts
Limit travel during heavier weekend snow
Protect pipes and exposed plumbing
Prepare for long-duration cold
Allow extra time for Monday morning commutes

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