Updates: Light accumulation this morning, with heaviest snow later Monday

* Winter weather advisory through 7 a.m. Tuesday *

7:00 a.m. update – Minor accumulation early morning, numerous slick spots

Snow in the area this morning has mainly been of the very light variety. Cold temperatures ranging across the 20s have allowed it all to stick, causing rather widespread slick spots on roadways and sidewalks. Untreated spots and lesser-traveled side roads are reported to be particularly slippery.

For the most part, it’s been a dusting to a third of a half inch of snow across the pre-dawn hours. Not a lot — just enough to cause issues.

We should see lulls intermixed with light snow until it picks up in intensity this afternoon and evening. Most of the snow will fall this evening. Additional snowfall accumulation during the day is likely minor, mainly on untreated roads and sidewalks or on grassy and elevated surfaces.

With temperatures struggling to get past freezing this afternoon, any heavier bursts that do occur can accumulate more readily. And once the sun starts going down again, ice risks increase into the night.

Today’s daily digit

A somewhat subjective rating of the day’s weather, on a scale of 0 to 10.

5/10: Right in the middle. An average of those who like snow and those who don’t.

Express forecast

• Today: Some light snow early. Steadier snow develops in afternoon. Highs: Upper 20s to mid-30s.
• Tonight: Periods of snow. Lows: Mid-20s to around 30.
• Tomorrow: Some light snow or freezing rain, mainly early. Highs: Near 30 to mid-30s.

Forecast in detail

It’s been almost two years to the day (tomorrow) since we last saw an inch of snowfall in Washington in a calendar day. We seem about to end that drought — the second longest on record — with the potential for a couple inches or so through Tuesday. Freezing air will ensure that slick road conditions develop as snow increases from tonight into early Tuesday. Then it stays cold, ensuring the snow sticks around. Not only that, there could also be some more Friday.

Today (Monday): A little snow produces a quick coating early in the day. With temperatures in the low and mid-20s, slippery roads are a risk. Thereafter, snow may pause or become rather intermittent before perhaps increasing in the early afternoon. Any light snow during the day before midafternoon may not stick well to roads as temperatures climb into the low 30s. But, especially as snow becomes steadier later in the afternoon and temperatures fall when darkness approaches, more will stick to more surfaces. Winds are from the southeast around 5 to 10 mph. Confidence: Medium-High

Updates: Light accumulation this morning, with heaviest snow later Monday

Tonight: Snow intensity should pick up heading into evening, and roads could well become icy area-wide. Snow could be moderate at times for a few hours through about midnight before easing into the pre-dawn hours. By that point, 1 to 3 or 2 to 4 inches of snow should be common. The snow could switch to a little freezing rain toward dawn, especially from the District and to the south and east. Lows range from 25 to 30. Confidence: Medium

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Tomorrow (Tuesday): Snow or mixed precipitation is possible early, and untreated roads will be slick; expect school delays and cancellations. But we should start to dry out later in the morning or by around midday, and little additional snow accumulation is expected. Highs range from the low to mid-30s, from northwest to southeast. Winds pick up out of the northwest with time. Confidence: Medium

Tomorrow night: There may be an evening flurry, but skies should be trending clearer through the night. It’s the coldest night of the season so far, with lows ranging across the teens. Confidence: Medium-High

A look ahead

The sun is back on Wednesday, but it’s cold. Highs range from about 30 to the low 30s, helping keep snow and ice around. Lows Wednesday night are in the teens and low 20s. Confidence: Medium

It turns cloudier Thursday as the next chance of wintry weather approaches. Highs reach the mid-30s or so. Some light snow could develop at night. Confidence: Medium

Another weak storm system passes by the area Friday. It could produce another round of light snow, with highs in the low to mid-30s. Confidence: Low-Medium

A reinforcing shot of cold air is on tap for the weekend. Highs may get stuck in the 20s to low 30s Saturday as winds again gust from the northwest, and a flurry is possible. They moderate to 30 to 35 by Sunday with sunshine still sticking around. Confidence: Medium

Snow potential index

A daily assessment of the potential for at least 1 inch of snow in the next week, on a 0-10 scale.

8/10 (↑): Snowflakes that start Monday morning could add up to a couple inches or so, especially into tonight. Seems the snow drought is going to break. Maybe some more Friday.