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Late-Season Snow Likely, Light Accumulation Possible
Greater amounts south and east

Team Forecast @ 12:15 AM

** Snow Advisory and Freeze Warning in effect through 10 AM today **

An unusual, although not unprecedented, late season snow event is likely through the first part of today as a low pressure area develops and strengthens off the Delmarva coast. Based on the latest model runs (including the one still in progress at post time), the most likely amount in the metro area is 1" or less, with higher amounts to the south and east, toward the Bay and the Eastern Shore.

Winter Weather Forecast: Saturday

TIMELINE
12am-2am: A light mix of rain and snow begins west to east. Temps 34-40 (far NW suburbs-city).
2am to 6am: Rain/snow mix changes to all snow. Snow may be moderate at times, especially south and east of DC. Temps 30-33 (far NW suburbs-city).
6am to 10am: Snow rapidly tapers off from west to east. Temps 28-34.
Storm Impact: Travelcast: Schoolcast:N/A


Frequently Asked Questions


When will the snow start? The precipitation may begin as rain or a rain/snow mix around midnight, changing to wet snow in the early morning hours.

Where will the heaviest snow fall? The heaviest snow is likely from near Chesapeake Bay eastward across the Eastern Shore.

Where is the precipitation now? Click here for the latest radar loop. Note that parts of the leading edge of the precipitation may be virga -- precipitation that's in the air but not yet reaching the ground.

Will the snow stick? With the precipitation arriving at night, the seasonally high sun angle will be a minor factor. However, the ground is fairly warm. Although yesterday afternoon's temperatures were within a couple of degrees of the record low maximum for the date of 45°, Thursday night's official low of 34° was the only time the temperature has been below 37° since March 19, when it was last below freezing. Any accumulations are more likely on grassy and elevated surfaces.

Could there be less or more snow than predicted? This is a very dynamic situation, with a storm developing almost literally in our backyard, so there are plenty of opportunities for error in the timing and intensity. The latest information suggests lower amounts than forecast earlier Friday.

What are other sources saying? NWS is calling for 1-2" in the metro area and 3-5" along the western Bay. WUSA-9 has generally 1-3".

How does this possibility compare to historical April snow events? The daily snowfall records for today are 0.6" at National in 1972 and 1.1" at Dulles in 1990. National has recorded measurable snow on every date in April through the 15th, except the 10th. The latest amount was 0.5" on the 28th in 1898.

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