Forecast: Temperatures Descend as 2009 Rings In
* Top 10 Weather Events of 2008 | Later this a.m.: Can You Predict Obama's Inauguration Weather? *
Today: Partly cloudy. 50-54. | Tonight: Mostly cloudy. 30-34. | Tomorrow: Colder with variable skies. 41-45. | A Look Ahead
FORECAST IN DETAIL
As Jason described yesterday, we've had quite the temperature roller coaster ride over the past ten days. Last week we soared, this week we dip. The downward trend this week will return us to more typical winter conditions. After touching 50 one last time today, we fall to around 40 tomorrow afternoon and by and large hold around there or colder for afternoon highs through the weekend.
Today (Tuesday): Partly cloudy skies are expected with temperatures still managing to peak into the lower 50s throughout the area, which is warmer than normal. Winds will be mainly from the west. Confidence: High
Tonight: Partly cloudy skies with temperature dropping into the mid- to upper 30s around the area (suburbs-city). Confidence: Medium-High
Keep reading for the forecast through the weekend.
Tomorrow (New Year's Eve): A cold front arrives first thing in the morning, well ahead of the New Year. Winds are forecast to really pick up so our temperatures in the 40s -- falling into the 30s during the afternoon -- will feel colder due to 15-25 mph wind chill enhancement. Confidence: Medium
New Year's Eve Night: The winds will still be up (15-20 mph) especially in the evening hours and the temperatures will really start to plummet as the countdown to the New Year begins. This is heavy jacket weather if you head out to festivities. Temperatures should only be in the mid- to upper 20s when the clock strikes twelve. Lows toward dawn could be down into the teens in the suburbs. Confidence: Medium
On New Year's Day, look for mostly sunny skies, but cold temperatures as highs struggle just to push into the middle to upper 30s throughout the area. Cold and clear at night, with lows in the 20s. Confidence: Medium
Friday is forecast to see clouds on the rebound, especially in the afternoon when rain showers become possible. The precipitation may start as or mix with snow, especially in the north and west suburbs. Highs should be near 40. Any lingering precipitation Friday evening would change over to all snow Friday night, but the latest thinking is that the precipitation that affects our area will be light and brief. Look for lows dropping back down into the 20s again. Confidence: Low
A cold weather weekend is currently anticipated for the DC area with highs again just in the 30s and lows in the 20s (District) to teens (suburbs). No precipitation is expected at least. Confidence: Low-Medium
By Matt Rogers |
December 30, 2008; 5:00 AM ET
Forecasts
Previous: PM Update is Off |
Next: Can You Predict Obama's Inauguration Weather?
Posted by: Dan-CapitalWeatherGang | December 30, 2008 12:49 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
winter weather potential sounds exciting to me-- I am sure to our readers as well!
Not a bad day out there! Isn't the sunshine grand?
Posted by: Camden-CapitalWeatherGang | December 30, 2008 1:35 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
well that is exciting news!
FINALLY!
56 and bright sunshine in Culpeper.
Posted by: clintonportis17 | December 30, 2008 2:20 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
I am not going to get my hopes up. I say....RAIN! (I am praying for SNOW!)
Posted by: GregRAINMAN | December 30, 2008 2:47 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
its going to be rain or freezing rain but im really hopinng it snow
Posted by: redskinsfan01 | December 30, 2008 5:18 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
You had asked a few days ago for some suggestions to make this site even better:
1) Do a daily discussion of the short and long range models for the area. I thing many of us go to Accuweather for that info but I would like a local more focused perspective.
2) Special Interviews - (example) Who is the guy "Woody" from the National Weather Service? We see his name on the NWS Weather Discussions but who is the man behind the forecasts?
3) Weather videos - have a section where videos of extreme weather events could be posted. Maybe at least provide a weekly top 10 selection from You Tube of the week's weather.
Just a few thoughts.
Greg "Rainman"
Posted by: GregRAINMAN | December 30, 2008 6:15 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
Greg--Thanks for the suggestions! Much appreciated.
Posted by: Jason-CapitalWeatherGang | December 30, 2008 6:19 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
Tuesday, great. Right after we send the kids back to school... THEY COME RIGHT BACK!
Posted by: mchristinaw | December 30, 2008 7:47 PM
Share This: E-Mail | Technorati
| Tag in Del.icio.us | Digg This
The comments to this entry are closed.
This morning's run of the GFS model shows next Tuesday, or thereabouts, as the next chance of significant winter weather in the area. Let's see if there's any consistency in the model runs over the next couple of days.