Snow Chances Increase For NoVA As Fall Temps Arrive: Latest Forecast

VIRGINIA — Northern Virginia could see its first snowfall of the season late this week as other parts of the state prepare for a significant winter storm that forecasters say may dump up to a foot of snow in the Appalachians.

After some overnight rain, fall temperatures arrived in full force in the D.C. area on Thursday. Highs in the upper 40s to lower 50s will preface another drop in temperatures Friday, when a storm system is predicted to push rain and snow showers into the area, forecasters said.

According to the Capital Weather Gang, Northern Virginia could see snow starting mid-morning Friday before changing to rain in the afternoon.

"The best chance for seeing flakes will be in our colder areas during the morning before precipitation transitions to mostly rain," the Capital Weather Gang said in its Thursday forecast. "Highs are only in the upper 30s to lower 40s as west winds gust up to 30 mph."

Despite the chance of snow flurries, little to no accumulation is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

For the remainder of Friday, forecasters said to expect cloudy skies and blustery conditions, with wind gusts topping 25 mph. By Saturday, conditions will give way to partly cloudy skies and slightly warmer temperatures, with highs in the mid-50s.

Meanwhile, a winter storm warning is in effect for Highland County in Virginia as a potent storm system is expected to dump 6 to 12 inches of snow, with up to 18 inches of snowfall on the highest ridges of the Appalachians.

Anyone with plans to travel to the affected areas should reconsider, the National Weather Service said.

Upslope mountain snow showers should pick up across the mountains Thursday afternoon and persist through Saturday midday. Brief whiteout conditions are expected at times, with wind gusts up to 50 mph, the National Weather Service said.

"Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile at times due to falling and blowing snow. This may lead to whiteout conditions and may make travel difficult," forecasters said. "The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages."

Here's a look at the D.C. area forecast through the weekend:

Thursday: Scattered showers, mainly between 2pm and 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 51. West wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. West wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday: Snow showers likely before 10am, then rain and snow showers likely between 10am and 1pm, then rain showers likely after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 43. West wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night: Scattered showers before 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.