Bucknackt's Sordid Tawdry Blog: Washington Post Capital Weather Gang reviews our January Winter weather 28JAN14

28 January 2014

Washington Post Capital Weather Gang reviews our January Winter weather 28JAN14

OUR Winter in DC for Jan 2014. Yes Virginia, it gets cold and snows in Winter....

PM Update: Light snow tonight, continued very cold Wednesday

For most of the metro region - with the exception of Southern Maryland - this looks to be a sweepable rather than shovelable snow.

Right nowGo to CWG's Weather Wall

18.0 F

(-7.8 C)

Weather: Overcast

Wind: Northwest at 9.2 MPH

Wind Chill: 7 F

Dew Point: -6.0 F

Pressure: 1028.0 mb

Last Updated on Jan 28 2014, 6:52 pm EST

At a glanceGo to CWG's Full Forecast

TUE

precip: 30%

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

precip: 30%

Forecast by National Weather Service

Super Bowl forecast update: Dry game increasingly likely as cold front sweeps east by midday Sunday

Computer models are converging on the idea of a cold front sweeping any light rain or wintry mix through the region well before the game gets underway. Maybe some gusts linger?

Light snow likely tonight, especially southeast of the District

Models have shifted a little north with the major winter storm affecting the South - far enough north that some snow flakes should fly over much of the metro region tonight.

Major winter storm crippling ill-prepared South; Commutageddon in Atlanta

Along the Gulf Coast and into the Southeast - places unaccustomed to winter weather - ice and snow are wreaking havoc.

January 2014: the coldest in decades in D.C. by many counts

January will go into the books as well below average for temperatures, but the average really only tells part of the frozen story.

D.C. area forecast: Bitter cold today, slight snow chance tonight

Today is another super-cold day as a frigid air mass continues its southeastward glide. Light snow is not out of the question tonight.

PM Update: Wind chill advisory overnight into the morning, and very cold Tuesday

Winds continue to whip tonight as temperatures tumble. Might be a good one to spend indoors, and it won't get much better tomorrow.

Super Bowl forecast update: Wintry mix possible late Saturday into Sunday, departing before the game

A frontal zone may help spawn a weak system in the lead up to the game. We continue to expect that precipitation is out of the area -- with time to spare -- before kickoff.

Big snow for southern Mid-Atlantic beaches midweek, a likely miss for D.C.

The latest arctic outbreak penetrating deep into the southern U.S. is setting the stage for a rare major winter storm from the Gulf Coast to the southern Mid-Atlantic.

Spike then crash: Today’s wild temperature ride in D.C.

Polar pain is coming. I promise. But, first, we enjoy a little warmth. Through noon or so.

Fire and ice: A spectacular D.C. sunrise and the frozen Potomac River (PHOTOS)

Did you see the sunrise Saturday morning? It was one of those rare, surreal sunrises in which the sky appears to be on fire.

D.C. area forecast: Punishing push of polar air tonight; snow Wednesday?

The fourth fierce blast of arctic air this month crashes into the region by tonight unleashing yet another dose of subzero wind chills into Tuesday.

D.C. area forecast: Plenty cold ahead of next bitter cold blast arriving late Monday

We actually break into the 30s tomorrow, before heading back into the polar realm Monday night into Wednesday. The core of the cold brings wind chills in the single digits to negative teens.

Super Bowl forecast update: Light precip possible into Sunday morning, but no major worries for kickoff

One week to go, and the forecast is more or less steady. A weak system could bring a wintry mix in the lead-up, but skies want to start clearing before game time.

D.C. area forecast: Snow showers today, new batch of cold tonight into Sunday

Snow on the ground may get a little freshened today, as a clipper passes by sending another Arctic front our way. Then a night of cold winds, before Sunday's increased sunshine is offset by fresh northern air.

Super Bowl forecast update: Temps near normal, precip risk mainly before game

A storm system appears to get out of the way before the Super Bowl starts, but it may linger into the morning of. Otherwise, the forecast has trended a little warmer.

PM Update: Still cold Saturday with snow shower risk; cold Sunday too

Following a very cold overnight period, temperatures make a run towards freezing Saturday, but not without the threat of snow showers.

Super Bowl forecast update: Cold but not frigid, and still no major storm threat

A day closer to the big game, and the forecast hasn't changed much. There's the slightest hint of snow chances, but no highly disruptive event showing up.

Wow! What a week of wintry weather in Washington – top 15 photos

Each part of this week's weather journey offered beautiful visuals, documented by our readers.

Snowy Owl joins Capital Weather Gang at The Washington Post

A snowy owl has emerged on a stoop outside The Washington Post this afternoon, just a few floors down from Capital Weather Gang's central computer.

Frigid blast AGAIN next week, possibly stormy in early February

Extreme cold is expected to dominate during the next week as disturbances zip by to our north but drag down more arctic air in their wake. Then the pattern may moderate, but turn more stormy.

Clipper may drop fresh coating of snow Saturday

Is your snow getting stale? A weak disturbance swinging by to our north Saturday could top it off with a dusting to 1 inch.

D.C. area forecast: Arctic returns today, with little thawing over coming days

Many fail in the struggle to reach 20 today, and the warmest news we have to offer is a temporary flirtation with freezing. Old man winter wants to make sure we know who is in charge!

PM Update: Yet another blast of frigid air tonight; wind chill advisory N & W suburbs

A reinforcing shot of bitter cold air streams into the region tonight, bringing a new round of subzero wind chills by morning. Temperatures struggle to reach 20 on Friday.

Counterpoint: Fairfax County’s defense for shutting down

In the spirit of giving Fairfax County Public Schools an opportunity to offer its reasoning for closing today, I'm posting an explanatory message from its Facebook page.

Super Bowl cold and snow: Big game history, local odds, and an early outlook

What's the weather going to be like before, after, and -- most importantly -- during the Super Bowl? We're now into a period where we can make some informed predictions.

Dulles Airport drops to -2, coldest temperature since 1996

An arctic air mass and fresh snowpack allowed temperatures to plummet overnight, especially away from the city.

Time for Fairfax County to toughen up

President Obama implied Washingtonians were weather wimps in 2009. Fairfax County is proving itself to be a poster child for such a characterization.

D.C. area forecast: Cold stranglehold eases a bit, maybe afternoon flurry

A series of clippers swing through the region over the next 5 days, reinforcing the cold air but with not much new snow to show for it.

PM Update: Record cold today turns slightly less intense on Thursday

Today's highs in the teens were the coldest they have ever been on this date across the area. Single digits for most tonight, and only a warm up to the 20s tomorrow.

Twelve hours in the life of a snowstorm (explainer)

Here is the tale of how key elements interacted to produce the Washington region’s most significant snowfall in three years.

A good, old-fashioned D.C. snowstorm! (PHOTOS)

After the last few winters, we wondered if a quality cold snow event was even still possible around the city. Yesterday proved it is!

At the end of the day, a solid forecast (recap)

Tuesday's storm was a slow starter, and not without some drama. But, ultimately, our forecast for this event was a strong one, with an exception here or there.

D.C. area forecast: Bone-chilling cold is back, with not much melting

Today's brutal wind chills back off a bit by tomorrow, but we remain extremely cold through Friday, with a few chances of flurries and snow showers Thursday into the weekend.

Snow to wind down, temperatures to plummet; wind chill advisory

Once the snow ends, the big story is going to be the combination of cold and wind and subzero wind chills.

Wind-driven snow, falling temperatures as storm hits its stride

The next several hours are prime time for this storm as snow mounts, winds crank (gusts over 30 mph are possible), and temperatures fall towards 20.

Snow moves into area, worst conditions this afternoon and evening

Snow has developed in the region and should gradually increase in coverage and intensity during the day.

D.C. area forecast: Snow piles up today, then very cold through Friday (LIVE UPDATES)

Look for snow to start flying by mid-morning and get heavier during the afternoon. By the time it tapers this evening, it's likely our biggest snow in almost three years.

Major snow storm Tuesday: Accumulations of 5-10 inches

After reviewing the latest data, we have increased our predicted snow amounts for the region.

PM Update: Falling temps tonight ahead of big snow on Tuesday

It was downright springlike today. But with Arctic air about to bleed into the region, the stage is set for our biggest areawide snow event in three years.

Significant snowstorm Tuesday, with widespread 4″ or greater amounts

We are unusually confident that a moderate to high impact snowstorm is on tap for tomorrow.

D.C. area forecast: Mild Monday; Tuesday snow and wind, and turning frigid

Enjoy today as one of the more severe periods of winter weather in the last few years then grips the region.

A Manitoba Mauler sunrise: hardly clipped, clouds disappear

Sunday morning's "clipper" or "mauler" evaporated and offered a beautiful sunrise. Tomorrow will be another story.

D.C. area forecast: Milder ahead of our next arctic blast

We're a bit warmer today, and even milder tomorrow for what should be the pick of the week. But by midweek highs are only in the 20s.

D.C. area forecast: Temperatures down and up through Monday, then way down

Cold today, not as cold tomorrow, mild on MLK Day. All that, plus a chance of a little more snow before we head back into a deep freeze.

PM Update: A chilly weekend with chance of nighttime snow showers

A disturbance scoots through the region tonight with some rain and snow showers to be followed by yet another Saturday night.

Polar vortex déjà vu: How cold and for how long?

We can't yet say if it will be as intense as the cold around January 7, but we have high confidence that once the cold arrives it will stay for a lengthy time period.

Polar Vortex meets Miami

Of all places, south Florida is among the coldest locations compared to "normal" in the Lower 48 today.

Reflecting on MLK’s legacy through the lens of weather and climate

President of meteorological society encourages us all to reflect on the goals of MLK Day and serve: somebody probably needs our help.

D.C. area forecast: Alberta Clipper parade brings minor snow risks as big cold looms

Milder temperatures today turn cold again tomorrow. A few moisture-starved systems are set to pass by as well before a bigger chunk of Arctic air arrives on Tuesday.

PM Update: Cold overnight, dry and chilly Friday; the full wolf moon

Friday's a decent looking winter day, as the mercury edges modestly above normal levels.

Soul searching time for The Weather Channel

The mighty Weather Channel, dumped by DirecTV after failed contract negotiations, is facing an unexpected storm. How it withstands it will go a long way in determining whether it remains the dominant weather force in television.

Return of the polar vortex: Cold, at times downright frigid for end of January; increasing snow chances

The upcoming weather pattern is very similar to the pattern during the first week of January, but promises to stick around longer.

DC, dusting city, living up to name: light snow chance Friday and Saturday nights

Of areas receiving snow overnight, by and large, a dusting was the most common report. We have some more dusting opportunities in the pipeline.

Explosion in extreme drought in California

In just a week's time, the percent of California in extreme drought skyrocketed from 28 to 63 percent, as the state deals with one of its driest stretches in recorded history.

D.C. area forecast: Seasonably cool today; mostly dry thru weekend, flurries aside

Today is about as "normal" as you are going to get for this time of year. As for the MLK weekend, not bad at all.

PM Update: Rain to snow showers tonight, at historically coldest time of year

Despite lots of clouds, light winds and highs mainly in the mid-to-upper 40s made for a pleasant one. Some conversational snowflakes fly tonight ahead of a seasonably chilled Thursday.

Weather Service proposes more severe weather risk categories in 2014

The National Weather Service has developed more categories for describing thunderstorm risk. Will it actually help communicate severe weather hazards?

A tame year for extreme weather in U.S., but California really needs rain

Even as California had its driest year on record, extreme weather was below average across the U.S. in 2013, NOAA's review finds.

The classic Washington sunset

Maybe it's the monuments. Or the river. For whatever reason, Washington prompts well-documented sunsets.

Fog can be fantastically photogenic (PICTURES)

While fog compromises focus, it's visually soothing and serene.

D.C. area forecast: Not bad today, then colder into weekend; can we squeeze out any snow?

After another day on the mild side today, we're colder tomorrow into the holiday weekend, with a few chances of light snow along the way.

PM Update: Drying out tonight, clouds increase Wed.; parched Sierra Nevada

As quickly as clouds diminish tonight, they increase again tomorrow ahead of the next weather system.

In DC’s future: Up to 3 completely underwhelming snow events

There's little reason to get excited about two or three opportunities for snow this week which - collectively - are unlikely to add much to the seasonal total.

Boiling over: Extreme heat causes stir at Australian Open

A controversy is simmering Down Under over blistering temperatures and the safety of tennis players at the Australian Open.

The 2014 Washington weather eCalendar

Kevin Ambrose's stunning weather and sky photos from 2013 are available in a downloadable calendar.

Weather wars: DirecTV drops Weather Channel, AccuWeather to add channel

After weeks of fruitless negotiations, DirecTV unceremoniously dumped The Weather Channel from its line-up today.

D.C. area forecast: Turning cold after today with a few minor snow chances

Swift atmospheric flow prevents any major storm threats in the coming days, but a few small disturbances may generate some snowflakes.

PM Update: Showers tonight through midday Tuesday; California fire danger

Our warmest daytime high in three weeks was a nice change of pace today. But the active weather pattern rolls on as the next system passes by tonight and tomorrow.

Snow chance edges up modestly for late Wednesday, especially west of D.C.

Snow or a mix of rain or snow is likely Wednesday and Wednesday night. The best chance for a light accumulation is in colder western areas.

DirecTV dispute: Is Weather Channel trying to have it both ways?

The Weather Channel say its severe storms coverage provides an indispensable public service. Yet 40 percent of its programming is reality TV.

An early start to hurricane season? “Subtropical” storm may be forming…

Tropical storms have occurred during every month in the Atlantic, but January storms are rare. Today, Subtropical Storm Arthur could be forming.

Viral weather terms we love but hate (POLL)

Consider this list of recent weather names/terms that perhaps you've heard mentioned at least one too many times. Vote for the one you're completely over by now.

D.C. area forecast: Mild Monday, then cooler; maybe light snow Wed., Friday

Unless you're a fan of cold, today's the nicest day of the week. From here, it's downhill as we trend wet and then more wintry

D.C.’s urban heat island effect and tips on how to be ‘weather-smart’ when it comes to the polar vortex

Capital Weather Gang's Jason Samenow sat down for a White House-moderated chat to discuss the science of weather extremes and what it means for D.C. residents.

D.C. area forecast: Sunny Sunday dries us out; unsettled midweek?

Above-normal temperatures stick around through Tuesday, but with a few showers possible early in the week. Wednesday is colder with a chance of rain or snow.

D.C. area forecast: Rainy today, plus a pleasant Sunday

Showers, maybe some thundershowers, tend to focus on the midday into afternoon. It could be a mostly damp one. We get paid back by a fairly nice end of the weekend into early next week.

Weather Channel urging viewers to pressure DirecTV not to drop network

The Weather Channel, less than 3 days from potentially being dropped by satellite carrier DirectTV, is asking its viewers for help.

PM Update: Heavy rain possible Saturday, flood watch; dry Sunday

Saturday temperatures take a big bounce up, but heavy downpours limit the amount of available outdoor time. Sunday's the better of the two days for outdoor plans.

After the warm-up, what next? A cooler trend mid-month, with snow chances increasing slightly

Our warmer than normal period that starts tomorrow will probably be short-lived as we transition back towards a below normal temperature pattern sometime around January 15.

WATCH: White House-moderated discussion on polar vortex, climate change

CWG's Jason Samenow is joining other meteorologists and climate scientists in a live discussion on the polar vortex, extreme weather and climate change.

The Potomac River is beautiful iced over (PHOTOS)

For all of the pain brought about by our polar vortex experience, at least the shining sheets of ice it formed on the Potomac offered a visual spectacle.

D.C. area forecast: Freezing rain to rain this morning, with showers possible after; more rain on Saturday

The freezing rain threat targeting our a.m. commute should be our last reminder of this arctic chill. We get even more wet on Saturday, and oscillate from quite cool to kinda warm ahead.

PM Update: Freezing rain to plain rain Friday; slick AM commute possible

We're transitioning to milder weather but we must first endure a period of mixed precipitation early Friday, that may cause mischief for the morning commute.

Yes, Leesburg, it did snow in Washington one week ago (PHOTOS)

The D.C. snow drought is over for all intents and purposes, even though last week's snow fell just short of 2" yet again. We captured the sentimental streak breaker.

Freezing rain advisory for D.C. area early Friday

When what's left of the polar vortex air mass joins forces with a warm front coming in from the south, some light freezing rain is possible into Friday morning.

Rocket launched from Wallops, Va.; aurora may be viewable tonight in northern states

An rocket was launched from NASA's Wallops Island at 1:07 p.m. today and was viewable for parts of the East Coast. Tonight, aurora may be viewable in northern states.

Ice and snow do the strangest things (VIDEOS)

Our encounter with the polar vortex this week has motivated ice to do some weird things and people to do some weird things with ice.

Great Falls ice at polar vortex sunrise (PHOTOS and VIDEO)

The combination of ice-coated rocks and the rising river mist lured me to Great Falls to photograph an Arctic air mass sunrise.

D.C. area forecast: Not as cold today but light icing risk for late tonight

Up, up, and away with the temperatures. Okay, not exactly the stuff of Superman intensity but a nice move out of the cellar. The only real issue is small chance of a light wintry mix early Friday.

PM Update: Cloudy and seasonably cold tonight, milder Thursday

Though D.C. barely pushed out of the 20s today, we've all been below freezing for two full days now. Our thaw starts to get underway tomorrow.

A remarkably normal 2013 in Washington, D.C. ended wet and warm

2013 in Washington, D.C. will not be known as an exceptional year in terms of temperature and precipitation. But December was warm and wet.

Light wintry mix possible early Friday

Arctic air seldom departs without a little drama. A weak weather system could lay down a little light frozen precipitation early Friday morning.

This is what happens to your body in cold weather

Capital Weather Gang’s A. Camden Walker explained symptoms your body shows when it’s adjusting to the cold.

Polar vortex of 2014 lackluster compared to past cold waves

The unremarkable nature of this cold snap highlights the silliness of arguments that it somehow debunks global warming.

Sun unleashes massive flare, aurora possible in northern skies

The polar vortex has exited, but a solar storm may be next on the agenda for the atmosphere.

D.C. area forecast: Slow but steady thaw, with a light wintry mix Thursday night?

The chill is still biting this morning, but the end of this intense cold blast is in sight. In fact, we're talking at least the 50s by the weekend!

Polar vortex: The grand finale

The polar vortex was a weather content generating machine. Here's some material that's circulated around the vortex, that you may have missed...

PM Update: Staying super cold through tonight, but winds ease; adios polar vortex

Highs today were a little warmer than expected, yet still downright frigid. Tonight features another run toward single digits, and a warming trend begins on Wednesday.

Where exactly did Washington, D.C.’s cold air come from?

Seeing the path of today's cold air over D.C. will send shivers right through you.

A ‘COOL’ weather phenomenon that only happens when it’s COLD!

You've heard of a "sonic boom," but what about a "cold boom"?

Polar vortex delivering D.C.’s coldest day in decades, and we’re not alone

Low temperature records were smashed locally and across the eastern U.S. this morning. It remains bone-chillingly cold through tonight.

A deep dive into the polar vortex

The polar vortex is not some mysterious or cataclysmic feature. It is really just a large air mass that is extremely cold.

D.C. area forecast: Icebox today, coldest since 1996; then gradual moderation to a warmer weekend

A powerfully painful arctic air mass cuts through our region today as the ballyhooed polar vortex passes by to our north early this morning

Live updates: Bitter cold hits Washington, U.S.

As temperatures plummet, we're bringing you the latest on conditions around the Washington region as well as news from across the country.

PM Update: Frigid as cold peaks Tuesday; everyone’s talking polar vortex

The trickle of Arctic air of today turns truly brutal overnight. Wind chills around -20 degrees are possible in parts of the area at times, and we only make the teens for actual highs tomorrow!

The polar vortex in no way disproves climate change

Countless records will be set through Tuesday. Yet they mean nothing about the existence of climate change, its severity or its consequences.

D.C. turning downright cold: the plummeting 24-hour temperature forecast

The next 12 hours, in particular, are going to make for a wild ride, with temperatures and wind chills dropping close to 30 degrees from current levels

Crazy cold: Polar blast likely to rank among D.C. area’s coldest in decades

While the Arctic air mass moving in won't have major staying power, its coldest day will be remembered among the most frozen in recent history.

D.C. area forecast: Temperatures crash today as historic cold snap bursts in; morning rain and snow showers possible

Temperatures fall throughout the day, but the wicked cold waits until tonight. It's then downright frigid through early Wednesday.

Coldest air in years set to grip the Nation’s Capital: Protect yourself, pets, and home

With the most dangerous wind chills expected tonight and tomorrow morning, here are some tips for dealing with the cold...

North Pole invades U.S.: 10 bitter, bone-chilling visuals

The polar vortex is crashing into U.S. territory, delivering the coldest weather to the Lower 48 in decades.

With deep freeze coming, now is the time to protect against frozen pipes

If you are a homeowner and haven't already taken action to protect your pipes from freezing and bursting, now may be a good time to do so.

D.C. area forecast: Freezing rain north and west suburbs today, below-zero wind chills by Monday night!

Tomorrow's arctic front brings the potential for a quick round of snow showers, followed by dangerously frigid air that sends wind chills down to below zero Monday night into Tuesday. Yikes!

Freezing rain advisory for D.C.’s western suburbs Sunday morning

When warm, moist air streaming in tonight combines with the cold air near the ground, some light freezing rain may deposit a slick film of ice across the region.

D.C. area forecast: Decent Saturday, then freezing rain risk overnight into Sunday; super cold early week

After starting of with some of the coldest temperatures in years this morning, we end up with a fairly nice mid-winter day. Some freezing drizzle and light freezing rain may spread north after midnight.

PM Update: Sunny, cold Saturday; possible freezing rain early Sunday

After a frigid night, Saturday is sunny, helping temps bounce back to near freezing. By Sunday, we rise towards 40, but not before a possible period of freezing rain.

An astonishing, dangerous cold snap is about to descend on the U.S.

Some of the coldest air in years, if not decades, is poised to pour into the U.S., with mind-boggling low temperatures.

Snowstorm crushes New England with up to two feet of snow

New England is digging out from a powerful winter storm that walloped the region with raging winds and blinding snow.

Brutal cold coming late Monday, then a pattern change

The coldest air mass since at least 2009 blasts into the area Monday. But, by late next week, there are signs the pattern will start to change to a milder one.

A photogenic Washington, D.C. snowstorm

The whitened landscape from last night's snow has turned into a playground for area photographers.

Storm recap: Generally 2-5 inches, on high end of forecasts

Thursday night's snowstorm mostly overachieved throughout the region, putting down about 2-5 inches.

D.C. area forecast: Sharp cold punch today with another next week

Mid-winter Arctic air is here and it could be painful today and then again next week. More seasonable air for our weekend may have some precipitation along with?

A snowy night followed by a freezing wind

Accumulating snow overnight is followed by plunging temperatures and a raging wind. Wind chills will drop into single digits and below zero.

Snow piling up in colder suburbs, just getting going inside Beltway

Snow and mixed precipitation has moved into the area and, as temperatures fall, will change to all snow with, generally, 1-3 inches falling overnight.

Severe cold coming in two fierce blows, Friday and Tuesday

Some of the coldest weather the Washington, D.C. metro region has witnessed in recent years, and possibly decades, is set to arrive in two punishing blasts

Tonight’s snow “in character” with events of last 3 years

Tonight's predicted dusting to 2 inches should fit well into our recent history of rather pathetic snowfalls.

Snow and crashing temperatures tonight: the latest

A mix of precipitation changes to snow tonight as temperatures plummet. Anywhere from a dusting to a couple inches or so is possible in the area.

D.C. area forecast: Light rain to snow tonight; bitter Arctic winds Friday

Light rain quickly transitions to powdery snow tonight, but accumulations are light. The combination of wind and cold Friday is brutal

How much snow and how cold Thursday night and Friday?

We're expecting a dusting to a couple inches of snow Thursday night - but new data coming in tonight means possible changes. Our running commentary on the new data...

Thursday night snow likely, then punishing wind and cold Friday

A complex weather system marching into the Thursday night and the cold in its wake will bring the D.C. area its most extreme combination of winter weather of the season.

D.C. area forecast: Calm start to 2014, but snow showers and bitter cold await

We have a risk of snow showers Thursday night, though impact should be on the low side. The bigger deal is Friday, when wind chills may have trouble breaking the single digits!

NORTON META TAG

28 January 2014

Washington Post Capital Weather Gang reviews our January Winter weather 28JAN14