Freezing rain drowns DC area, creating slick morning commute
Freezing rain Thursday morning could make for a slippery morning commute in the D.C. area.
After a gloomy and cloudy Wednesday, parts of the region saw overnight sleet and freezing rain. WTOP Meteorologist Chad Merrill said the weather will turn to rain on Thursday morning, which could sometimes be heavy, creating slick road conditions.
“Those bridges, sidewalks and overpasses will continue to be a bit icy until about 9 a.m.,” Merrill said. That’s when the temperature is expected to warm above freezing.
A winter weather advisory in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday. There is also an ice storm warning in effect for far Western Maryland through noon.
Multiple D.C.-area school systems have announced closings or delays Thursday due to the forecast. View the full list here.
“Most of the main thoroughfares have pavement temperatures of anywhere from 32 to 34 degrees, but when you go over those bridges and overpasses, it easily could be a sheet of ice,” Merrill said.
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The rain is expected to end between noon and 3 p.m. with a “little bit of sunshine” and it warming above freezing at around 40 degrees.
“We have to watch out for some dense fog developing just after sunset this evening, that will become a bit widespread tonight,” Merrill said.
As the wind kicks in, he said that fog will clear out overnight and into Friday morning.
Friday will be sunny but breezy with temperature highs nearing 50 degrees. But another wintry mix is possible for Saturday afternoon with chilly highs in the upper 30s.
FORECAST
THURSDAY: Sleet and freezing rain becoming all rain between 7-9 a.m. Thunder possible N&W. Rain ending between Noon-3 p.m. Likely all rain inside the Capital Beltway. Light icing will make sidewalks/parking lots/bridges and overpasses slippery.
High: Around 40 degrees.
Winds: Light SE becoming SW
THURSDAY NIGHT: Clearing with fog.
Low: Mid 30s
Winds: Calm, becoming light NW
FRIDAY: Early sun, then partly sunny and breezy.
High: Low 50s
Winds: NW at 10-20 mph.
SATURDAY: Midday to afternoon light snow, freezing rain, sleet and rain mix. Best chance for ice and snow accumulation along and west of the Blue Ridge.
High: Mid to Upper 30s.
Winds: SE 5-10 mph.
SUNDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy and brisk.
High: Low 50s.
Winds: NW 15-25 mph.