First snowstorm of 2025 makes its big entrance to the DC region
The first major snowstorm to hit the D.C. area isn’t pulling up to the region with just a light dusting, it’s bringing heavy snow and teeth-chattering below freezing temperatures. Here’s what you need to know.
A Winter Storm Warning went into effect for the D.C. area at 10 p.m. Sunday. It is set to expire at 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Forecasts show anywhere between 5 and 10 inches of snow accumulation across the region, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña.
There is a possibility that a second dose of snowfall will arrive Monday afternoon.
“Whatever falls, it’s likely to stick,” Peña said.
The National Weather Service expects the later snowfall to mix with sleet and freezing rain. Snowfall related to this storm should end around 9 p.m. on Monday.
Temperatures on Monday will remain below freezing, staying in the upper 20s with wind speeds of 5 to 10 mph.
Once the snow wraps, expect chilling winds to stick around. Forecasters say highs will remain in the 20s through the end of the week. The weekend will see a slight temperature rise to the 30s.
Closures continue across DC, Maryland and Virginia
Multiple school districts and government offices across the region have announced closings, delays and other scheduling modifications in anticipation of the snowstorm. Monitor the latest changes on WTOP’s Closings & Delays page.
In the nation’s capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a snow emergency through the end of Tuesday. The decision activates several snow-related emergency powers, including the right to tow any cars parked along emergency snow routes during the storm.
To avoid getting your car removed, check out the marked routes on the D.C. government website and make sure you relocate your vehicle by 9 p.m.
In addition, D.C. residents with animal emergencies should reach out to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency to take effect Sunday and last through at least Monday.
“Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in case you lose power” according to a press release from Moore’s office.
The move Sunday evening is a shift from the previously declared state of preparedness. His office says the state’s snow response will now “shift from preventative measures to emergency powers.”
“Immediate actions are being taken to safeguard Marylanders. Law enforcement agencies are increasing staffing, with support standing by as needed, while public health, human services and utilities agencies continuously prepare for possible impacts from the storm,” the office concluded.
In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin took similar steps and declared a state of emergency. Officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation advised travelers to stay off the roads.
“I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” Youngkin said.
According to the weather service, traveling by car “could be very difficult.”
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the National Weather Service said.
If you absolutely have to drive, officials suggest bringing a winter storm kit packed with tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, blankets “and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
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FORECAST
BEFORE DAYBREAK MONDAY: WINTER ALERT
Snow showers starting between 10 p.m. and midnight.
Lows: 22-28
Wind Chill: 15-20
Winds: West 5 mph
A Winter Storm Warning begins at 10 p.m. and the snow should begin shortly after. Expect heavy snow at times with several inches accumulating by sunrise. Forecasted snow totals and timing on Monday :
- Expect around 1″ by 2 a.m.
- Around 2-4″ by 6 a.m.
- Around 5-9″ by 11 a.m.
- Around 6-10″ by 5 p.m.
- Around 8-11″ by 10 p.m.
MONDAY: WINTER ALERT
Snow likely, heavy early.
Highs: 25-30
Winds: Northeast 5-10 mph
Snow continues during the morning hours. A dry slow may arrive around lunch time and decrease snowfall during the afternoon. Wrap around snow showers may move in during the evening and add another inch or two. Some sleet mixing in south of I-66 is possible and may lower snow totals. Expect 6-11 inches with isolated higher snow totals west of DC and north of I-66.
TUESDAY:
Windy.
Highs: 28-33
Wind Chill: 18-22
Winds: Northwest 15-25 mph
Mostly sunny skies with a blustery wind gusting up to 35 to 40 mph. Temperatures stay below freezing across much of the area.
WEDNESDAY:
Breezy.
Highs: 27-32
Wind Chill: 18-22
Winds: Northwest 15-25 mph
Extended Forecast: A very cold pattern with arctic air will stick around for the next 10 days and temperatures remaining below average. Highs the end of this week generally in the 20s and this weekend into next mid to upper 30s.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
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