Round Of Snow Possible In VA Ahead Of Christmas: Forecast

Two storm systems could bring a wintry mix and then rain to Virginia drivers during the busy Christmas week travel period, even as the region flirts with highs of 50 degrees several days, according to forecasters.

The first round of precipitation should arrive late Monday night into early Tuesday morning, with snow most likely between 1 and 3 a.m. Tuesday, followed by rain and snow possible through 7 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.

A white Christmas is unlikely in Northern Virginia, with rain chances daily Wednesday night through Sunday night, the NWS said. The high temperature on Christmas Day is expected to reach 53 degrees, so any precipitation then will be in the form of rain.

Overnight lows throughout the week will be in the mid- to upper 30s in the D.C. region.

"Light rain, maybe a touch of non-accumulating wintry mix, is possible late tonight (after 2 or 3 a.m.) into Tuesday morning," said The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. "Warmer Tuesday through Christmas Day with highs generally near to above 50. Maybe a rain shower Christmas morning."

"Travelers taking to the roads later Monday night or Tuesday morning should heed any roadway restrictions or warnings in place and give themselves extra time to reach their destination," Accuweather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said for travelers heading further north.

Here's the full forecast for the coming week, according to the National Weather Service:

Monday Night: A chance of snow between 1am and 3am, then a chance of rain after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday: A chance of rain, mainly before 9am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. West wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night: A chance of rain after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Christmas Day: A chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Friday: Rain likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night: A chance of rain before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: Cloudy, with a high near 48.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 40%.