The Farmer’s Almanac, which famously releases an extended forecast heading into every new season, has shared its winter weather prediction for the Washington, D.C. area ahead of the 2025 – 2026 season!
Their prediction, which highlights a wet, cold, and potentially snowy winter for the Northeast as a whole, specifically mentions that along the Atlantic Coast, you can expect “significant rain” with occasional snowstorms.
Will it snow around D.C. this winter?
While the small towns in mountainous areas not too far from the District can expect a fair amount of fluffy white snow this winter, most of the would-be snow heading towards the District this winter will turn to rain by the time it enters the D.C. metro area.
According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), it’s difficult to estimate how much snow will fall in the Mid-Atlantic region because the average snowfall metric is usually skewed highly by just one or two snowstorms per season.
Overall, the NOAA predicts a low chance for snow with a 40% chance for “warmer-than-normal” temperatures around D.C. this winter, with “normal” temperatures ranging between the low 20s and the mid 40s.
What to expect this winter?
As mentioned above, you’ll not only want to have a good winter coat to keep you warm and protect you from the wind and rain, but you’ll also want to invest in a decent pair of winter-proof footwear to get you around town or to the office in the midst of the elements.
With a high likelihood of rain and the moderate risk of snowstorms hitting the Distict, a decent pair of boots will help you push through the flooded sidewalks or slush without soaking your socks.
What is La Niña and how does it impact the weather?
To put it simply, La Niña refers to the cooling of the Pacific Ocean waters, which in turn impacts weather patterns across the United States, resulting in warmer and drier weather.
Essentially, this means that conditions in the DMV area this winter will have a lower chance of wet conditions, which translates to a decreased likelihood of snowfall.