The forecasts are in, and according to meteorologists, the DMV area and Washington D.C. are in for more than just a few snowflakes this winter. The last time D.C. experienced some significant snowfall was back in January 2019 when Jack Frost visited and left behind a 10-inch blanket of white snow.
How much is it going to snow?
Compared to last winter, when the D.C. metro area only got around 0.4 inches of collective snowfall, it’s been forecasted that we may have up to 30 inches of snow over the course of this winter season. It’s expected that Washington D.C. may experience at least 2 to 3 blizzards before winter turns to spring in 2024.
When is it going to snow?
While meteorologists aren’t exactly sure when Washingtonians can expect to experience their first snowfall, the bulk of the snowfall is expected to come after the Holiday season and kick in towards the end of winter. Unfortunately, this means that Washington D.C. may have yet another snowless Christmas day, increasing the gap to 14 years since our last white Christmas which was back in 2009.
What is El Niño and how does it impact the weather?
To put it simply, El Niño is the name that has been given to a unique weather phenomenon that flows across the United States and impacts the local climates in its path. Essentially, this means that conditions in the DMV area this winter are going to have a higher chance of wet conditions this year, which translates to an increased likelihood of snowfall.
How to prepare for snowy weather
The first steps you should take to get ready for a snowy winter if you live in the D.C. area include:
Get winter boots!
- We can’t stress how much the mix of snow and salt on the streets will damage your nice shoes. Function>Form this winter when it comes to getting around during snowy conditions.
Change your car into winter tires.
- Getting winter tires put on your car will make getting around safer and easier this winter, not only for you and the important people inside your car but also for those around you as well.
Purchase a snow shovel and street rock salt.
- A good samaritan will always clean out their driveway and sidewalk to make sure nobody slips and gets hurt.
Stock up in case you get snowed in.
- If you can’t go out to get more groceries during a blizzard, it’s smart to have an extra supply of whatever your daily necessities around the house are, whether that’s a few extra cases of ice cream to a few extra rolls of toilet paper.