Virginia Weather: 'Wintry Mix' Could Impact Thursday Morning Commute

With record-breaking springlike temperatures of 68 degrees Wednesday, it's hard to believe Northern Virginia will likely see some snow in the next 24 hours. But road crews are preparing for a possible wintry mix that weather forecasters say could hit the Northern Virginia region just in time for the Thursday morning commute.

Crews will be on duty in the early hours Thursday, prepping roads for a potential "sloppy and slow" commute with "poor visibility," the Virginia Department of Transportation said Wednesday morning.

Ice on the roads is not expected, the NWS said.

But "the timing of this 'will' affect the morning rush," the state agency said Wednesday morning. The snow or rain, or some combination of both, should taper by 9 a.m. or so, according to Capital Weather Gang.

The National Weather Service said Wednesday there is a "potential" for up to 3 inches of snow but that around an inch of snow is more likely for Northern Virginia Thursday. Areas west and north such as Leesburg and Baltimore could see up to 5 inches of snow at the most.

A Winter Weather Advisory (in purple on map below) issued Wednesday morning includes parts of Loudoun County (see NWS map below, issued at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday):

Here's a more detailed look of what to expect later Wednesday and Thursday, from the National Weather Service forecast for Northern Virginia:

• Wednesday night: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 a.m. Low around 40. Northeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Thursday: A chance of rain and snow before noon, then a chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

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