Annandale, Virginia – Northern Virginia woke up under a sharp winter chill as freezing temperatures gripped Annandale and surrounding Fairfax County neighborhoods early Tuesday. With morning lows near 21 degrees, residents experienced the coldest conditions of the week before a gradual shift toward milder, wetter weather later in the forecast.
Cold Start to the Day Across Northern Virginia
Today remains sunny but bitterly cold, according to the National Weather Service. Despite clear skies, the cold air mass lingering over the region is keeping temperatures suppressed. Afternoon highs are expected to reach only the upper 30s, leaving shaded sidewalks, driveways, and secondary roads potentially slick well into the morning hours.
Bridges and overpasses pose the highest risk during early travel, as they cool faster than surrounding pavement. Drivers commuting through Annandale, Falls Church, and nearby corridors are urged to reduce speed during the morning hours and remain alert for lingering ice patches.
Midweek Warm-Up Brings Temporary Relief
Conditions begin to ease on Wednesday as cloud cover gradually increases. High temperatures are forecast to climb near 49 to 50 degrees, helping thaw frozen lawns and ground surfaces that have remained stiff since overnight freezes.
Travel conditions during the day remain relatively calm, though melting frost and residual ice could leave damp pavement by evening, particularly in shaded residential areas and parking lots. While no precipitation is expected Wednesday, the added moisture sets the stage for potential hazards later in the week.
Rain Moves In Thursday Night
The most significant weather shift arrives on Thursday. Milder air pushes afternoon highs into the mid-50s, creating one of the warmest days of the week. While much of Thursday remains dry, rain is expected to develop Thursday night, with a 100 percent chance of precipitation across Annandale and much of Northern Virginia.
This rainfall will soak roadways and sidewalks, especially during overnight hours when visibility is reduced. Major routes including I-495, I-395, Route 50, and local arterials could see slick conditions as rain intensifies late Thursday night.
Flash-Freeze Risk Returns Friday Night
Although snow is not in the forecast, meteorologists are closely monitoring a rapid temperature drop behind the departing rain system. Rain is expected to clear by early Friday, but colder air quickly follows.
By Friday night, temperatures are forecast to fall back into the 20s, creating a classic flash-freeze scenario. Any standing water left on roads, parking lots, or sidewalks could refreeze, forming dangerous black ice just as weekend travel begins.
This risk is particularly concerning during early morning and nighttime driving hours when ice is hardest to detect. Residents are encouraged to allow extra travel time late Thursday night and early Friday, especially in areas with poor drainage or heavy shade.
Weekend Outlook Brings Stability
After the unsettled conditions late in the week, weather stabilizes heading into the weekend. Saturday is expected to be partly sunny with cooler but manageable temperatures, with highs in the mid-40s. Sunday moderates slightly, offering calmer and more predictable conditions for local errands, outdoor plans, and holiday activities.
While cold mornings persist, no additional precipitation is expected through the weekend, reducing travel concerns once any lingering ice melts or is treated.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Annandale, VA
- Today: Sunny and cold, high near 37°F
- Wednesday: Increasing clouds, high near 49°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, rain late, high near 55°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 47°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 44°F
What Residents Should Do Now
Residents should keep winter safety supplies in their vehicles, including ice scrapers and warm clothing, especially with rapidly changing conditions expected later in the week. Pay close attention to overnight forecasts on Thursday and Friday, when freezing hazards are most likely to develop.
Staying informed and adjusting travel plans can help avoid dangerous conditions as Northern Virginia transitions from deep freeze to rain and back to cold once again.
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