Washington, D.C. – The snowfall in the Washington region on Tuesday was not as significant as anticipated due to mild temperatures and a short duration. Despite transitioning from rain to wet snow for two to three hours, the snow struggled to stick, resulting in limited effects on the area, although some schools opted for a delay.
The snowfall accumulated to varying degrees across the region, from too little to measure to around a coating, with slightly higher amounts north and west of the Beltway where temperatures were cooler. The snow quickly melted as temperatures rose into the 40s after the snowfall ceased.
More substantial snowfall of two to four inches was reported in northern Maryland near the Mason-Dixon Line as the snowfall lasted longer and temperatures were colder in that area. The National Weather Service reported snow totals from several locations, including Manchester, Md. with 4.1 inches and Lovettsville, Va. with 2.0 inches.
The snowfall was part of a larger nor’easter that brought significant snowfall from northeast Pennsylvania into Southern New England, with as much as 15 inches reported in some areas. The amount of snowfall in the Washington region was consistent with predictions made by the Capital Weather Gang the day before.
In the days leading up to the storm, there was uncertainty about whether snow would fall at all. However, the storm ended up tracking far enough south to draw in cold air from the north as it moved away, resulting in limited snowfall. Although nearly an inch of rain fell, if all of the precipitation had been snow, it would have amounted to around 8 to 10 inches.
Looking ahead, tranquil, seasonably chilly weather is expected through Friday, with the potential for light snow and/or rain on Friday night into Saturday. As no measurable snowfall was reported at Reagan National Airport, the season’s snow total currently stands at 7.9 inches, below the seasonal norm of 9.3 inches. Another 5.8 inches would be needed by spring for this winter’s total to reach the 1991-2020 average of 13.7 inches.