Get ready for a sharp drop in temperatures and gusty winds as a strong cold front moves through the region tonight into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecast Overview
Thursday Morning: A mix of rain and snow showers may persist until 10 a.m., transitioning to snow in some areas briefly before tapering off. Temperatures will fall to around 33°F by late afternoon. Strong west winds at 16-20 mph could gust as high as 46 mph—precipitation chance: 40%.
Thursday Night: Skies will clear, but it will remain cold with lows around 29°F. Winds will continue from the west at 14 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph.
What to Expect
The powerful cold front will bring:
- Windy Conditions: Gusts could reach up to 46 mph, with the potential to cause isolated power outages and downed tree limbs.
- Chilly Temperatures: Wind chills will make temperatures feel much colder, especially on Thursday night when it could feel like the teens or single digits in some areas.
- Precipitation: A mix of rain and snow may lead to slick spots during the morning commute, especially in higher elevations and areas northwest of the immediate area.
Potential Impacts
- Power Outages: High winds may result in minor power disruptions, so residents should charge devices and prepare for outages.
- Travel Safety: Due to dangerous conditions, including whiteouts and reduced visibility, drivers in the mountains or other high elevations are advised to avoid non-essential travel.
The cold snap is expected to continue through Friday, but high pressure moving in will bring a gradual warming trend over the weekend. By early next week, another weather system could increase the chance of rain in the area.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and advisories. Those in higher-risk areas should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and consider limiting travel during peak wind and snow times.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, residents in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas saw their first raindrops in almost 40 days this Sunday. The raindrops offered much-needed relief from a prolonged dry spell that has placed the region under moderate to severe drought conditions.
The National Weather Service has classified parts of Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Spotsylvania County as experiencing a D1 Moderate Drought. Meanwhile, Fairfax County, King George County, and the Northern Neck Peninsula are experiencing a D2 severe drought.
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Update 11:45 a.m. — From Stafford fire and rescue’s Facebook page:
Due to dry conditions, low relative humidity and anticipated gusty winds, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS)has issued an Elevated Fire Danger across most of Northern and Central Virginia today. As a result, the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing a ban on all outdoor burning for Friday, November 8th until 7AM Saturday, November 9th in Stafford County.
In addition to no open air burning, this is a friendly reminder to be extremely cautious when disposing of cigarette butts and matches and keep vehicles and equipment that could spark off of dry vegetation, like grass.
Original post — Good morning! Here’s a look at today’s weather forecast from the National Weather Service.
Yesterday’s cold front has moved down into the Carolinas, bringing cooler, drier air into our area. Early risers may have noticed some clouds, but they’ll clear out quickly, leaving us lots of sunshine and a breeze from the northwest. Temperatures will be mild, with highs reaching about 74°F. Gusty winds could pick up in the afternoon, especially in higher areas and north of US-50 and I-66, with gusts of 20-30 mph possible.
While it’s dry today, this windier weather is expected to continue into the evening, so take caution if you’re planning any outdoor fires, as conditions are primed for rapid spread.
Tonight, we’re looking at mostly clear skies, temperatures dropping to around 44°F, and a northwest breeze of 8-10 mph. Moving into Saturday, expect more sunshine but cooler temps, with a high near 59°F. Clouds will increase Saturday night as we head into Sunday, with the possibility of afternoon showers and temperatures near 60°F.
Enjoy the clear, crisp start to the weekend!
Crews from the Northern Virginia Electrical Cooperative (NOVEC), along with contractors and support from other electric cooperatives, continue to restore power after a severe storm that hit Northern Virginia on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The storm caused significant damage, particularly in Stafford County and southern Fauquier County, leading to widespread outages and extensive repairs.
As of 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, NOVEC reports that the number of customers affected by the storm has decreased from 6,000 to approximately 430. In Stafford County, crews are focused on replacing broken electric poles and repairing downed power lines. Replacing a single broken pole can take several hours, especially when trees are down, and the ground is saturated from heavy rain.
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Chris Strong from the National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington office noted the unusual nature of the storm, highlighting that "one of the biggest things that was more uncommon about that event was just how little wind there was in the general atmosphere for these storms to move around." This lack of atmospheric movement allowed the storms to "evolve and develop in place," leading to prolonged periods of heavy rain and persistent lightning across several areas.
Despite the severity, the region did not experience any tornadic activity. Strong explained that tornadoes generally require wind shear—an increase in wind speed and a change in direction at different altitudes—which was absent during this event. This contributed to the storm's stationary behavior, causing extended weather disturbances over the same locations.
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Press release:
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for tomorrow, August 27 in part of the metropolitan Washington region, including DC and Northern Virginia as well as Suburban DC in Maryland (Prince George’s County and Lower Montgomery County). Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Air quality levels can vary across the region. Residents can check current air quality conditions near them on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website. Conditions could also be favorable for another Code Orange forecast on Wednesday. Forecasts are updated around 4 P.M. each day on COG’s website.
On unhealthy air days, COG advises area residents to take the following actions:
Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
Fill your vehicles’ gas tank after sunset.
Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.COG, in partnership with the District Department of Energy & Environment and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, provides daily air quality forecasts for the Northern Virginia/District of Columbia region. Daily air quality forecasts for Suburban DC (Prince George’s County and Lower Montgomery County), Maryland Piedmont (Frederick County and Upper Montgomery County), and/or Southern Maryland (Charles and Calvert Counties) are provided by Maryland Department of the Environment.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Stafford County, including Aquia Harbour and King George, effective until 3:15 p.m. today. This warning comes as a series of storm clusters, currently over Johnstown, PA, and extending across Lake Erie, are expected to intensify as they approach the region.
As of 9:45 a.m., satellite and radar imagery showed several clusters of showers accompanied by occasional lightning moving southeastward.
Meteorologists are monitoring these storm clusters to determine whether they will maintain their strength and become severe as they encounter increasing instability during the day. The potential for severe weather arises as these systems interact with a corridor of weak convergence, noted from western Maryland southeastward towards Fredericksburg. This area is expected to strengthen with additional waves of activity pivoting around an upper-level low to the north.
Despite some limiting factors such as poor mid-level lapse rates and modest atmospheric forcing, scattered convection with a few strong to severe thunderstorms is possible this afternoon and early evening. The primary concern with these storms is the risk of localized damaging wind gusts, with a conditional low-end threat for severe hail if supercell structures develop.
The National Weather Service also notes that following today’s storms, temperatures will likely dip into the mid-60s to lower 70s overnight, with potential for development, particularly in areas that receive rainfall.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region until 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 18. A slow-moving cold front will bring showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. The highest chances of precipitation are expected this afternoon and evening as the front moves across the area.
We can expect the storms to produce damaging wind gusts and isolated instances of flooding. The potential for large hail or an isolated tornado also exists due to increasing instability in the atmosphere, according to the National Weather Service.
A Flood Watch has also been issued from 2 to 8 p.m. this afternoon through this evening for parts of Northeast Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. Some storms may produce rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour, leading to isolated instances of urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
Temperatures are expected to range from the 70s to 80s, with overnight lows dropping into the 60s to low 70s. After the cold front passes, dry conditions and cooler temperatures will return next week as high pressure builds in from the northwest.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch in effect from 6:19 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9. The watch follows multiple reports of a tornado touching down in Caroline County yesterday evening.
The storm is predicted to bring significant rainfall to the area, with risks of flooding possible. The Rappahannock River last flooded downtown Fredericksburg on Jan. 10, 2024. It crested at 19.1 feet at 5:30pm, impacting Old Mill Park and encroaching trails along Fall Hill Avenue. Fredericksburg has already closed Old Mill Park in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby.
Fredericksburg: Tropical Storm Debby’s main system is moving north into Virginia from North Carolina. The current forecast track is that the main part of the storm will remain to our west, generally travelling from south to north along the Interstate 81 corridor. That said, the Fredericksburg area will see significant rainfall, with rain bands that could be heavy at times beginning mid-afternoon today, Thursday, through the overnight hours, and decreasing sometime around mid-afternoon tomorrow. This system has also spawned thunderstorm and tornado activity, so please stay alert and continue to monitor conditions in case those develop.
Here are some updates from the City of Fredericksburg, along with some tips and updates as the storm moves through Virginia:
- Old Mill Park, Alum Spring Park and the Dog Park are now closed due to wet conditions. Park staff is monitoring water levels and other parks could be closed due to high water levels or adverse conditions.
- Heavy rain to the west of Fredericksburg may lead to flood conditions for the Rappahannock River, even after the storm passes. Continue to monitor FredericksburgAlert.com or the City’s website at www.fredericksburgva.gov for the latest river conditions.
- City Staff from all departments have been preparing for Tropical Storm Debby and our Public Safety and Public Works teams are ready to respond.
- FXBGO! Transit operations are still on schedule at this time.
- City Government offices are open and will remain open as regularly scheduled.
