A Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect at 7 p.m. Friday, with forecasters warning that light freezing rain, drizzle, and fog may create hazardous travel conditions across Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and portions of Maryland. The advisory remains in place until 1 a.m. Saturday.
Friday’s advisory follows a round of snowfall earlier in the day that brought varying accumulation across Virginia.
“Our campuses will open at 11 a.m. today,” the college said in a social-media post. “This includes all campuses and administrative offices.”
The “Code Yellow” means the college is delaying its opening — buildings, classrooms and offices will become accessible one hour before 11 a.m., and any in-person or Zoom classes scheduled to start before 11 a.m. are canceled. (Northern Virginia Community College)
A fast-moving winter system and very cold temperatures will make travel hazardous across Stafford, Prince William, Fairfax, Spotsylvania, and surrounding counties early Friday. The National Weather Service has expanded the Winter Weather Advisory northward, now covering much of Northern Virginia and central Maryland as confidence increases in light—but high-impact—snow during the Friday morning commute. Snow is expected to begin between 3–5 a.m., with temperatures in the 20s ensuring it sticks immediately to untreated roads, sidewalks, and bridges. Even a coating to an inch of snow may cause slick, icy, and treacherous conditions, especially during peak travel hours.
Forecasters say models have shifted quicker and farther north today, tightening confidence that many areas will see at least light accumulation. While higher totals of 1–2 inches remain most likely farther south across Spotsylvania and central Virginia, areas to the north—including Prince William, Stafford, and Fairfax—are now expected to receive a coating to around one inch. Strong upper-level jet forcing may also briefly enhance snowfall in narrow bands. As the snow winds down late morning, patches of freezing drizzle may develop into the afternoon, potentially prolonging slick conditions.
“Stafford Schools will operate ON TIME on Tuesday, December 2.” — Stafford County Public Schools announced. “Please dress warmly and drive appropriately in rainy weather. We look forward to seeing everyone this morning.”
Forecasts from the National Weather Service and regional weather forecasters, however, suggest that while our area will primarily see rain from the storm, a lingering wintry mix over the western and northern suburbs could produce slick spots early this morning — even reaching toward the I-95 corridor.
A storm moving up the East Coast on Tuesday could bring a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain to parts of our region — especially west of the Blue Ridge.
Precipitation is expected to begin before sunrise, with some areas seeing a quick burst of snow or sleet before changing over. East of the Blue Ridge, most places will turn to a cold rain shortly after onset. Conditions dry out Tuesday night as high pressure returns, leading to several cold days ahead.
A pair of cold fronts is sweeping through the region, bringing in a much colder and breezier air mass just in time for Thanksgiving.
Winds will ease a bit compared to Wednesday night but will still be noticeable through the day. Clouds early Thursday will give way to bright sunshine, but temperatures will stay on the chilly side. High pressure settles in Thursday night and Friday, keeping the weather quiet but brisk.
Stafford County has issued a ban on all open-air burning for Sunday, November 16, due to high fire danger caused by dry conditions and gusty winds. The county Fire Marshal issued the order as a precaution to prevent wildfires.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Red Flag Warning, in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, for much of Northern and Central Virginia, including Stafford County. Forecasters expect northwest winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph in some areas, combined with very low humidity levels—ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly.
The coldest air since last winter arrives Monday, bringing blustery winds and temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below normal.
A brisk northwest breeze will keep highs in the 40s and low 50s Monday, with wind chills making it feel even colder. Monday night drops below freezing for many, setting the stage for a chilly Veterans Day with highs only in the mid-40s and gusts up to 25 mph.
“We are forecasting a colder-than-average December, with D.C.’s first inch of snow falling before the end of the month,” FOX 5 DC reported. “January we expect will be slightly colder than normal, and we are forecasting it to be the snowiest month of the winter.”
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High pressure will bring a bright, dry day to the region on Thursday with cooler, more seasonable temperatures. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 50s to near 60 under plenty of sunshine. Winds from the northwest will be light to moderate, with a few gusts near 18 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear and chilly, with lows dipping into the mid-30s.
Outlook:
