Cold Rain, Wintry Mix Coming To DC Area After Record Warmth

VIRGINIA/DC — After two days of record warm temperatures that tempted D.C. area residents to turn on their air-conditioners, meteorologists say there’s a chance of rain mixed with snow and sleet on Wednesday.

AccuWeather meteorologists are calling it another “serious case of weather whiplash,” similar to other periods of extreme weather changes we’ve experienced this winter.

Winter weather is expected to retake its grip on much of the country, following several days of springlike temperatures. AccuWeather meteorologists say the weather pattern this week will be more typical of February as multiple storms deliver snow, a wintry mix and rain from the Rockies to the Atlantic Coast.

"The weather in March can change in a flash or a blink of an eye, and this week will be a prime example," AccuWeather Senior On-Air Meteorologist Justin Povick said.

In the D.C. area, forecasts for Wednesday call for a cold rain starting in the early mornings hours, with a chance of snow and sleet at times west and north of the city.

Accumulations are expected to be minimal, aside from some grassy areas to the west and north, The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang said Tuesday.

Temperatures will be in the upper 30s to around 40 in the D.C. area on Wednesday and could be cold enough for a little snow north of D.C. and in higher-elevation areas, NBC4 reported.

Precipitation is expected to end by Wednesday afternoon, followed by cloudy weather.

Before the cold air moves in, Tuesday should be a pleasant day, albeit cooler than Sunday and Monday.

"Today's forecast is a reality check. It really is still early March following back-to-back days with record high temperatures," NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell said in a tweet Tuesday morning. "Other than a chilly breeze this morning, today will be a low impact weather day."

Record highs were set in D.C. and at Washington Dulles International Airport on Tuesday. D.C. reached 80 degrees, the 10th-earliest on record, according to the Capital Weather Gang. Dulles Airport set a record of 76 degrees on Monday, following a record of 78 degrees on Sunday.

Here's the National Weather Service forecast for the close-in suburbs of D.C. for the next few days:

Tuesday night: Rain, mainly after 4 a.m. Low around 36.

Wednesday: Rain, mainly before 4 p.m. High near 42.

Wednesday night: A chance of rain before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.