DC snowstorm, Arctic blast threaten region this weekend

DC weather: Snow, arctic air blast threaten region this weekend

Heavy snow and a cold blast of arctic air threaten the Washington, D.C. region this weekend.

WASHINGTON - A surge of Arctic air is set to move into the Washington, D.C. region this weekend, bringing the threat of heavy snow, dangerous cold and the potential for travel delays and school disruptions.

Bitter cold in the single digits started the day Wednesday before an expected climb into the upper 30s to low 40s by afternoon.

FOX 5’s Taylor Grenda says Thursday will offer a brief break, with highs in the 50s — a stretch of temperatures we won’t see again for quite a while.

READ MORE: Snow storm threat: What to know about the winter weather expected in the DMV this week

DC region prepares for weekend snow

The Washington, D.C. region is preparing for what could potentially be a significant snowfall this weekend.

What we know:

FOX 5’s Tucker Barnes says the snow is expected to arrive Saturday evening, with the peak of the storm developing through the day Sunday.

Early model guidance shows a layer of warm air aloft, even as surface temperatures remain frigid, raising the possibility of mixing or icing along with the snow.

The system pulls away late Sunday into early Monday, but any snow that falls is likely to stick around.

READ MORE: Polar vortex, snow models used to track impact of possible weekend storm in DC

What's next:

A deep push of Arctic air settles in behind the storm, keeping temperatures below freezing for much of next week and slowing any melting.

Stay ahead of the snow with FOX 5’s expert meteorologists, streaming LIVE on FOX LOCAL. We’re streaming nonstop coverage with the newest forecasts, snow potential, and preparation tips—before the storm and all weekend long. Download FOX LOCAL for 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices.