Capital Weather Gang: Latest


Posted at 01:09 PM ET, 03/18/2013

Spring's arrival turns thoughts back to the garden
By David Streit
By the end of the month, average temperatures cross the magical 50 degree F mark - the threshold that really revs up the motors of most plants.

By David Streit  |  01:09 PM ET, 03/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Gardening | Tags:  Gardening

Posted at 10:58 AM ET, 03/18/2013

Early spring snow around Washington, D.C. (PHOTOS)

By Jason Samenow
This morning's brief period of snow behaved as forecast for the most part, with just some conversational flakes inside the beltway that coated car tops, and light accumulations of an inch or so to the west and southwest.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:58 AM ET, 03/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography, Winter Storms | Tags:  Latest, Photography, Photos, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:06 PM ET, 03/17/2013

Chance of snow/mix for Monday morning commute; most likely impact west of D.C. Beltway
By Jason Samenow
Cold air has seeped into the region today setting the stage for some messy weather late tonight into Monday morning as a wave of low pressure approaches. West and northwest of the beltway, a light accumulation of snow (one to perhaps two inches) is possible. Little accumulation is expected inside the beltway and to the east and southeast where more of a mix of precipitation is favored

By Jason Samenow  |  09:06 PM ET, 03/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 04:44 PM ET, 03/15/2013

National Weather Service cutting back on hiring, spending
By Jason Samenow
The National Weather Service, feeling the pressure of the challenging budget environment, is already cutting back on staffing and spending, a move that could compromise our nation’s preparedness for severe weather critics say.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:44 PM ET, 03/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government

Posted at 01:24 PM ET, 03/15/2013

Cherry blossom peak bloom forecast from Capital Weather Gang: April 5
By Jason Samenow
What a difference a year makes. Last year’s record-warm March led to a tie for the third earliest cherry blossom peak on record on March 20. This year, cooler than average weather is likely to push the peak bloom back considerably. We project blossoms will peak between April 3 and April 7, or around April 5.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:24 PM ET, 03/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Capital Weather Gang, Cherry Blossoms, Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 10:19 AM ET, 03/15/2013

Rock’n’Roll Marathon: Detailed weather forecast - Cool and wet
By Jason Samenow
With 30,000 runners hitting the streets of Washington, D.C. Saturday morning for the Rock’n’Roll marathon and half marathon, the weather forecast looms large. Unfortunately, it looks cool and wet.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:19 AM ET, 03/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 03/14/2013

Maryland, Virginia winters turn less snowy as New York, Boston enjoy snow bonanza
By Rick Grow
The northern end of the Northeast megalopolis lies in the proverbial sweet spot for snow, as general observations have shown over the years. A closer examination of the historical record reveals not only increases in the seasonal snowfall totals for Boston and New York City, but also unearths this all too predictable truth: Maryland and Virginia winters are becoming less snowy.

By Rick Grow  |  01:02 PM ET, 03/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, U.S. Weather, Local Climate

Posted at 09:55 AM ET, 03/14/2013

How global warming spoiled the Snowquester
By Jason Samenow
Just a few degrees was the difference between bare ground and a winter wonderland in D.C.’s urban core last week. Would the storm, which was a disappointment to so many Washingtonian snow lovers, have played out differently had it occurred 100 years ago? Historical data say yes.

By Jason Samenow  |  09:55 AM ET, 03/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Climate Change, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:20 PM ET, 03/13/2013

Knickerbocker Snowstorm short stories
By Kevin Ambrose
There are dozens of Knickerbocker Snowstorm stories buried in the newspaper archives or passed down by word-of-mouth by Washington-area families. I have made an effort to gather and document many of the stories before they are lost or forgotten.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  01:20 PM ET, 03/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, History, Local Climate

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 03/13/2013

March 13 weather extremes: Blizzard of 1993 and 2012 80-degree heat (POLL)
By Jason Samenow
Last year, it was 81 degrees in Washington, D.C. on March 13, in the midst of a heat wave that presaged the warmest March on record. But 20 years ago on the 13th, the Blizzard of 1993 socked the area.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:07 PM ET, 03/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, History, Local Climate

Posted at 10:29 AM ET, 03/13/2013

Comet PanSTARRS as seen from Washington, D.C.
By Jason Samenow
The skies parted early Tuesday evening, and Comet PanSTARRS revealed itself above the western horizon for skywatchers in Washington, D.C.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:29 AM ET, 03/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Astronomy, Latest, Space, Photography

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 03/12/2013

Heavy snow halts travel in northwestern Europe (PHOTOS)
By Justin Grieser
An unusual late winter snowstorm dumped several inches of snow across northwestern Europe this week, stranding drivers in their cars and severely disrupting air and rail traffic from northern France into Belgium and Germany.

By Justin Grieser  |  03:33 PM ET, 03/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather

Posted at 01:41 PM ET, 03/12/2013

Storm names: In defense of Snowquester
By Jason Samenow
On March 1, when Capital Weather Gang Twitter follower Phil Yabut suggested “Snowquester” as the name for the potential storm in the D.C. area on March 6, I knew we needed to look no further.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:41 PM ET, 03/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Media, Capital Weather Gang, Winter Storms

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 03/12/2013

Confessions of a winter weather expert
By Wes Junker
I’m a weather weenie. A weather weenie is someone who obsesses about some aspect of weather and, at times, that obsession rules their life. My friend, Bob Hill, describes it as a disease.

By Wes Junker  |  10:30 AM ET, 03/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Winter Storms, Latest, Capital Weather Gang, Humor

Posted at 01:44 PM ET, 03/11/2013

The blizzard of 1993: 20-year anniversary of March Superstorm
By Don Lipman
Twenty years ago today, among the most intense cold season storms of the 20th century began to organize. The storm - which would dump crippling amounts of snow from Florida to Maine - resulted in over 300 fatalities and $9 billion in damages (2012 dollars). Known as the “Superstorm of 1993”, “The Blizzard of ‘93” and “Storm of the Century”, it is ranked as an “extreme” category 5 storm on NOAA’s Regional Snowfall Index (RSI) scale.

By Don Lipman  |  01:44 PM ET, 03/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, History, Local Climate

Posted at 10:27 AM ET, 03/11/2013

February was colder than average in Washington, D.C., March tending that way too
By Matt Rogers
Of the meteorological winter months (December-February), February was our coldest, but only slightly below normal (-0.7F). The month was also drier-than-normal, with a deficit of 0.95 inches. But it sure seemed like a wetter month than that.

By Matt Rogers  |  10:27 AM ET, 03/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 03/08/2013

Aloha! Comet Panstarrs: cosmic snowball to sneak above our horizon
By Blaine Friedlander
Nature rears back to pitch us a dirty, cosmic snowball: Comet Panstarrs, discovered from Hawaii, will likely sneak above our western horizon tonight or Saturday evening. It’s an apparition with an “Aloha!” flavor since to it we say, “hello and goodbye” rather fast.

By Blaine Friedlander  |  03:45 PM ET, 03/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Astronomy, Space

Posted at 02:46 PM ET, 03/08/2013

A word of thanks...
By Capital Weather Gang
Suffice to say, Wednesday was not our proudest moment and we took our share of heat for the flawed forecast. Yet, there was also an outpouring of support and constructive comments, and we in­cred­ibly value and appreciate this feedback.

By Capital Weather Gang  |  02:46 PM ET, 03/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Capital Weather Gang

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 03/08/2013

To be the best in weather forecasting: Why Europe is beating the U.S.
By Richard B. Rood*
As early as 1995, the weather forecasts from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) were emerging as higher quality than U.S. products.

By Richard B. Rood*  |  11:24 AM ET, 03/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Science, Winter Storms

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 03/08/2013

Pasted with snow at the Manassas National Battlefield Park
By Kevin Ambrose
I made the trip to the Manassas National Battlefield park Wednesday to photograph the heavy, wet snowstorm.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  10:17 AM ET, 03/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography, Winter Storms

Posted at 03:28 PM ET, 03/07/2013

Snowquester: The pictures tell its story best
By Rick Grow*
Snowquester, for all its maddening quirks and unfulfilled promises, was quite the photogenic storm. Five different images tell the story of this big snow tease, and make an indelible impression on our collective minds.

By Rick Grow*  |  03:28 PM ET, 03/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, Recaps, Winter Storms

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 03/07/2013

Snowquester: when forecast information fails
By Jason Samenow
The best forecast for Snowquester was one we could not issue with a straight face, and one most Washingtonians would have ridiculed: Rain, sleet, and/or snow likely — heavy at times — with snow accumulations of 0-14 inches.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:38 PM ET, 03/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Recaps

Posted at 09:35 AM ET, 03/07/2013

An ode to Snowquester
By DC Rocks
Twas the night before Snowquester and all through the land, 
the snow lovers were giddy and rubbing their hands.  
Snowblowers and shovels were nestled in the garage, 
snow was finally coming, this was not a mirage.  

By DC Rocks  |  09:35 AM ET, 03/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Humor, Latest

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 03/06/2013

Snowquester under delivers in Washington, D.C., but not done; storm downgraded

By Jason Samenow
In the immediate Washington, D.C. metro area and points east, the snow output of has underperformed. We conceded late this morning that our forecast of 5-10 inches in this area would probably not be achieved, but indicated a few inches remain possible - let’s say 1-4 inches.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:15 PM ET, 03/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 03/06/2013

Snowquester hitting its stride with heavy snow in western suburbs, but struggling in the city

By Dan Stillman and Jason Samenow
Snow and mixed precipitation, in the city and points east, are falling throughout the region. Substantial snow accumulations, thus far, have mainly occurred west and southwest of the Beltway, and it’s those areas likely to reach forecast snow totals of 7-14 inces.

By Dan Stillman and Jason Samenow  |  11:00 AM ET, 03/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:00 AM ET, 03/06/2013

The start of Snowquester: Tuesday night live blog; snowfall forecast increased
By Jason Samenow
The first band of precipitation is moving in from the season’s first major winter storm. Track the latest developments and forecast updates in this live blog.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:00 AM ET, 03/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 03/05/2013

Winter storm warning for District, I-95 corridor, and points west; winter weather advisory east of town
By Jason Samenow
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Washington, D.C. and locations to the west and north, for the likelihood of at least 4 to 8 inches of snow between midnight tonight and 3 a.m. Thursday morning.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:08 PM ET, 03/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 03/05/2013

High-impact, heavy snowstorm to hammer Washington area tonight and Wednesday
By Jason Samenow
The ingredients have come together for a major snowstorm that may prove crippling for western sections of the Washington region.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:24 AM ET, 03/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:25 AM ET, 03/05/2013

The stunning structure of a snowflake (PHOTOS)
By Kevin Ambrose
Andrew Osokin focused his photography on individual snowflakes that fell upon the ground and were in the process of melting away. In this post are a few examples of Andrew’s photography.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  09:25 AM ET, 03/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography

Posted at 11:00 PM ET, 03/04/2013

Snowquester live blog: Tracking the models, March 4 evening edition
By Ian Livingston
Winter storm watches are up across the D.C. area as the storm we’ve dubbed Snowquester closes in. Odds are presently quite good for a heavy late-season snowstorm to paste the region with anywhere from 3-8” along and southeast of I-95, to as much as 15”+ over far western (and higher elevation) portions of our area.

By Ian Livingston  |  11:00 PM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Capital Weather Gang, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:47 PM ET, 03/04/2013

History as a helper: the past suggests Snowquester storm will pack a punch Wednesday
By Rick Grow*
As the Washington area braces for its biggest snow storm since Commutageddon, a number of similar historical events, or analogs, suggest disruptive accumulations will likely occur from Snowquester

By Rick Grow*  |  02:47 PM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:55 PM ET, 03/04/2013

Snowquester: heavy, wet late season snowstorm likely to paste D.C., Mid-Atlantic Wednesday
By Jason Samenow
An intense late winter storm marches into the Mid-Atlantic Tuesday night and Wednesday. Heavy snow is possible, especially in far western parts of the region.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:55 PM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:07 AM ET, 03/04/2013

March snow in Washington, D.C.: Precedent exists for ending winter with a bang
By Ian Livingston
With the Snowquester storm in the forecast Wednesday, history shows us big March snow events can and do happen at the close of winter, even in seasons with little prior snow.

By Ian Livingston  |  09:07 AM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 07:15 AM ET, 03/04/2013

Winter storm watch issued for Washington, D.C. area, Tuesday night to Wednesday night
By Jason Samenow
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Washington, D.C. metro region from Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening. Such a watch is issued for the potential for at least 5 inches of snow within 36 to 48 hours.

By Jason Samenow  |  07:15 AM ET, 03/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:05 PM ET, 03/03/2013

Major winter storm eyes Washington, D.C. and Mid-Atlantic for midweek: Snowquester
By Wes Junker
The likelihood of a significant snowfall occurring in the Washington, D.C. region Wednesday is increasing as a very dynamic storm moves in.

By Wes Junker  |  02:05 PM ET, 03/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 12:58 PM ET, 03/03/2013

Snowquester: March 6 Washington D.C. winter storm name

By Jason Samenow
Usually we ask readers to propose and vote on names for significant winter storms. But this time we’ve already received such a perfect suggestion that we’ve decided to go ahead and adopt it: Snowquester.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:58 PM ET, 03/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Capital Weather Gang, Humor

Posted at 04:44 PM ET, 03/01/2013

Knickerbocker snowstorm presentation: Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at The Washington Post
By Jason Samenow
Come hear the riveting tale of one of Washington, D.C.’s most destructive weather events: the Knickerbocker Snowstorm of January, 1922.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:44 PM ET, 03/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Capital Weather Gang, History, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 03/01/2013

Significant winter storm potential around March 6, but major questions remain
By Wes Junker
This is the best looking snow threat in two years.

By Wes Junker  |  01:27 PM ET, 03/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 03/01/2013

March severe weather, and start of meteorological spring: in like a lion, or lamb?
By Kathryn Prociv
March 1 marks the start of meteorological spring. For those who are tired of the dark, damp, and disappointing days of winter this official demarcation of spring is a welcome thought. Most years this indoctrination of spring can be misleading because early March can feel like an extension of February.

By Kathryn Prociv  |  11:02 AM ET, 03/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Thunderstorms, Local Climate

Posted at 03:42 PM ET, 02/28/2013

March 6 snow chances sink south
By Jason Samenow
We continue to track the possibility of the development of a coastal storm during the middle of next week which, given cold air in place, could be a snow-producer. However, today’s models track the storm far enough south that the Washington, D.C. area would miss most of the precipitation.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:42 PM ET, 02/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:52 PM ET, 02/28/2013

Weather Service makes positive change: HPC to Weather Prediction Center
By Jason Samenow
I’m all for simplicity. The National Weather Service (NWS) today announced it will change the alphabet-souped named “Hydrometeorological Prediction Center” (HPC) to the “Weather Prediction Center” (WPC) effective March 5.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:52 PM ET, 02/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 02/28/2013

Could a quiet sun cancel global warming?

By Jason Samenow
The current solar maximum, the high point in the sun’s activity over an 11-year cycle, is the lowest in over 100 years NASA says. Scientists speculate solar activity may decline further in the coming decades. Could a quieting sun cause the climate to cool enough to stall or even reverse global warming from the build-up of greenhouse gases? Leading climate scientists say no, the effect of the sun is too small.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:04 PM ET, 02/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Climate Change, Science

Posted at 04:09 PM ET, 02/27/2013

March 6: Late game scoring opportunity for snow lovers in Washington, D.C.?
By Jason Samenow
The pattern for next week or so favors cooler than average temperature, which conceivably could set the stage for a snowy rally. But a storm (or two or three) is needed. Enter March 6 - maybe.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:09 PM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:29 PM ET, 02/27/2013

Could it snow in Tampa, Florida this weekend?
By Jason Samenow
The jet stream promises to take a huge dip this weekend, with cold air plunging deep into the Sunshine State of Florida. Since last weekend, the GFS weather model has hinted a little light precipitation might team up with the incoming stream of arctic air. There’s a very small chance this combination could squeeze out a few rare snowflakes along Florida’s central west coast Sunday morning.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:29 PM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  U.S. Weather, Latest

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 02/27/2013

Asheville, N.C.: Suffering worse snow drought than Washington, D.C.
By Rick Grow*
Here’s some news that may shock snow-starved Washingtonians: we don’t have it all that bad. For all the attention that’s been given to D.C.’s longest drought without a 2 inch or greater snow event, and rightfully so, one city in the South, Asheville, N.C., is actually suffering through a longer period of even paltrier snow amounts.

By Rick Grow*  |  10:52 AM ET, 02/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, U.S. Weather

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 02/26/2013

Sequester threatens nation’s weather forecasting
By Jason Samenow
Budget cuts set to take effect on March 1 could seriously compromise the ability of the National Weather Service to provide timely, reliable weather forecasts government officials and industry leaders warn. Programs and staffing to support weather forecasting are set to be slashed

By Jason Samenow  |  01:36 PM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government | Tags:  sequestration

Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 02/26/2013

Second rate U.S. numerical weather prediction: Why you should care

By Cliff Mass*
In this blog, I will take issue with arguments that U.S. inferior computer modeling doesn’t matter and will suggest that first-rate numerical weather prediction by the U.S. National Weather Service is crucial for the nation and of great benefit to the entire world

By Cliff Mass*  |  11:14 AM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government, Science

Posted at 10:12 AM ET, 02/26/2013

Full snow moon over Washington, D.C.
By Jason Samenow
Skies cleared, and Monday night’s full snow moon delivered for photographers lined up at the National Mall to watch its ascent.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:12 AM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography, Astronomy, Space

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 02/26/2013

Red sky at morning in Washington, D.C.
By Kevin Ambrose
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailor take warning.There is often truth in the old adage.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  09:18 AM ET, 02/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography

Posted at 03:53 PM ET, 02/25/2013

Full “snow moon” and International Space Station in this evening’s sky
By Jason Samenow
The moon officially became full at 3:26 p.m. EST and will rise tonight 6:07 p.m. We double our cosmic pleasure, as just as the moon is rising, the International Space Station will zip across the northern sky.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:53 PM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Astronomy, Space

Posted at 11:31 AM ET, 02/25/2013

Thawing and freezing: will the winter’s volatile weather kill off the stink bugs?
By Kevin Ambrose
Is it possible that our last January thaw and refreeze harmed the stink bugs? Can extreme temperature changes during the winter season impact an entire stink bug population? I asked two entomologists who specialize in stink bugs for answers.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  11:31 AM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Nature

Posted at 10:42 AM ET, 02/25/2013

Crippling blizzard strikes Plains for second straight week
By Jason Samenow
The second in a pairing of back to back blizzards is slamming the Southern Plains with blinding snow and raging, tropical-storm force winds. Blizzard warnings stretch from western New Mexico through the Texas panhandle and into southern Kansas.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:42 AM ET, 02/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather

Posted at 01:10 PM ET, 02/22/2013

Historic U.S. drought will continue into spring and summer, experts say
By Rick Grow*
Nearly five months after expanding to cover the greatest area on record, the devastating drought of 2012 continues to spread woe across the central and western U.S. And, according to climate researchers, severely dry conditions will persist throughout the spring and summer.

By Rick Grow*  |  01:10 PM ET, 02/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Droughts, Latest, U.S. Weather

Posted at 10:47 AM ET, 02/22/2013

Huge Midwest storm fizzles before reaching Washington D.C.
By Jason Samenow
We expect little precipitation from the storm which crushed the Midwest with heavy snow

By Jason Samenow  |  10:47 AM ET, 02/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, U.S. Weather

Posted at 04:12 PM ET, 02/21/2013

Winter warming accelerates in Maryland and Virginia since 1970
By Jason Samenow
Prior to 1970, temperatures in Maryland and Virginia had been more or less flat over the course of the 20th century. But since that time, they have climbed sharply, warming about 2.5 degrees F - part of an abrupt steepening in the rise of nationwide winter temperatures.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:12 PM ET, 02/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Climate Change, Local Climate

Posted at 10:32 AM ET, 02/21/2013

Can D.C. dream the impossible dream of breaking the snow drought this winter?
By Ian Livingston
History says we have about a 50-50 chance of getting 2 inches or more snow before winter ends.

By Ian Livingston  |  10:32 AM ET, 02/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, Winter Storms

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 02/20/2013

Rare snow in the desert: Arizona storm suspends PGA golf event (PHOTOS)
By Jason Samenow
A wound-up weather disturbance is producing unheard of amounts of snow in the southern Arizona desert.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:40 PM ET, 02/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  U.S. Weather, Latest

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 02/20/2013

Clouds and flurries stream into Washington D.C. and Baltimore regions from Great Lakes
By Jason Samenow
Readers in Howard and Baltimore counties have spotted snow flurries, and long wave-like cloud streaks have lined up from the lee of the Appalachian mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. These weather features are brought to us - at least in part - from Lake Superior, about 1,000 miles away.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:33 PM ET, 02/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 11:19 AM ET, 02/20/2013

Does the “less snow, more blizzards” global warming theory hold up in Washington, D.C.?
By Jason Samenow
Does it seem like snowfall is exhibiting manic behavior - lashing out with paralyzing blizzards one winter and retreating with piddling dustings the next?

By Jason Samenow  |  11:19 AM ET, 02/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, Climate Change, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 02/19/2013

When is the average last date of measurable snow in Washington, D.C.?

By Justin Grieser
For Reagan National Airport, the 1981-2010 average last date of measurable snow (defined as at least 0.1”) is February 24 – right around the corner.

By Justin Grieser  |  01:15 PM ET, 02/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 11:15 AM ET, 02/19/2013

Rain favored over snow in storms for next week; a more snow-friendly pattern around March 1?
By Wes Junker
Spring is rapidly approaching and the average temperatures are starting to rise in response to the sun. But could a change in storm track gives increase snow prospects to close February?

By Wes Junker  |  11:15 AM ET, 02/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 04:02 PM ET, 02/15/2013

Report: Weather satellite gap, climate change among biggest threats facing Federal government
By Jason Samenow
Every two years the Government Accountability Office highlights the top 30 challenges facing the Federal government in its “high risk list”. A looming gap in the coverage of weather satellites and climate change are the newest additions to this list says the GAO in a report released Thursday.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:02 PM ET, 02/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government, Climate Change

Posted at 12:48 PM ET, 02/15/2013

Tonight’s snow odds flaking out; watching Saturday wave for second chance

By Jason Samenow
The weather system passing through the region tonight promises more rain than snow, with accumulation prospects weak. A second wave developing Saturday could put down a stripe of snow, but probably east and northeast of the immediate D.C. area.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:48 PM ET, 02/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:57 AM ET, 02/15/2013

Surprise attack: Meteor explodes over Russia hours before giant asteroid flyby (VIDEO)
By Jason Samenow
Today’s big celestial show was supposed to be the 150-foot wide asteroid 2012 DA14, closing within a razor thin margin of Earth, but passing safely (at 2:24 p.m. ET). But a very large, meteor or “fireball” stole its thunder, violently blowing up as it entered the atmosphere over central Russia, producing a shockwave that shattered windows, rocked buildings, and injured hundreds.

By Jason Samenow  |  09:57 AM ET, 02/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Astronomy, Space

Posted at 02:36 PM ET, 02/14/2013

Friday night could bring round of sneaky snow
By Jason Samenow
A little storminess may develop along a cold front pressing through the region Friday night offering the next opportunity for rain and snow. Some accumulation cannot be ruled out but this is a particularly tricky situation to forecast.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:36 PM ET, 02/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 02/14/2013

Earth to narrowly escape collision with asteroid 150 feet wide Friday
By Steve Tracton
Early Friday afternoon, planet Earth will be buzzed by an asteroid some 150 feet wide, identified as 2012 DA14, as it intersects Earth’s orbit just 17,500 miles above our heads.

By Steve Tracton  |  11:27 AM ET, 02/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Astronomy, Latest, Space, Tracton

Posted at 09:52 AM ET, 02/14/2013

“Car-topper” snow event leaves glaze of morning ice on some roads
By Jason Samenow
Wednesday evening, from northwest to southeast, rain transitioned to snow before ending around 10 p.m.. Accumulations ranged from a coating on grassy areas and car tops around the District to half an inch to one inch in Loudoun and Frederick counties.

By Jason Samenow  |  09:52 AM ET, 02/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Recaps, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 02/13/2013

Washington, D.C. falling deep into dungeon of snow futility
By Jason Samenow
With 3.5 inches of snow combined in the last two winters, Washington, D.C. will have its least snowiest two year period on record if more accumulating snow doesn’t fall through April.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:16 PM ET, 02/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Local Climate

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 02/13/2013

Hurricanes vs. nor’easters. What makes them different?
By Kathryn Prociv
If hurricanes and mid-latitude cyclones often physically resemble each other so closely and are both characterized by areas of low pressure and cyclonic (counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere) winds, what makes them different?

By Kathryn Prociv  |  10:30 AM ET, 02/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Tropical Weather, Science, Winter Storms

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 02/12/2013

Capitol-henge and other winter views of Washington, D.C. landmark, State of the Union 2013
By Jason Samenow
Is it fitting that - near the date of the President's State of the Union address - photographer Phil Yabut captured the sun rising through the columns of the Capitol transforming it into a golden dome?

By Jason Samenow  |  04:06 PM ET, 02/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography

Posted at 11:46 AM ET, 02/12/2013

Riveting, terrifying chase video of violent Hattiesburg, MS tornado; no deaths a miracle
By Jason Samenow
I’ve viewed a lot of tornado videos over the years, but the one shown in this post from Hattiesburg, Mississippi is the most dramatic and close-up I’ve seen.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:46 AM ET, 02/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather, Government

Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 02/12/2013

The Megalopolitan Blizzard of February 10-12, 1983
By Kevin Ambrose
On February 11-12, 1983 a blizzard swept up the Eastern Seaboard, burying an area from Virginia to the Northeast U.S. under a blanket of very heavy snow.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  09:40 AM ET, 02/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  History, Local Climate, Winter Storms, Latest

Posted at 02:05 PM ET, 02/11/2013

Pre-Valentine’s Day storm looks more wet than white; weekend storm?
By Wes Junker
Could we have a white Valentine’s Day? The odds don’t look so good.

By Wes Junker  |  02:05 PM ET, 02/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 02/11/2013

Bill Nye “the science guy” fumbles storm explainer
By Jason Samenow
To educate viewers on the science of the recent mega-blizzard that socked New England, MSNBC’s Craig Melvin brought onto his program noted “science guy” Bill Nye . What followed was the one of the most flawed discussions of meteorology I’ve ever witnessed on a national network.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:36 PM ET, 02/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather, Media

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 02/11/2013

Incredible imagery from the February 8-9, 2013 New England Blizzard
By Ian Livingston and Kathryn Prociv
The early-February blizzard will go down as one of the largest ever in parts of the northeast. We’ve gathered some of the best satellites, radars and more.

By Ian Livingston and Kathryn Prociv  |  10:34 AM ET, 02/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Recaps, Winter Storms

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 02/08/2013

Will Washington, D.C. ever see “real” snow again?
By Jason Samenow
With the Northeast blizzard on center stage, I’m repeatedly getting the question: will it ever snow - more than a dusting - in Washington, D.C. again?

By Jason Samenow  |  04:00 PM ET, 02/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:36 PM ET, 02/08/2013

Northeast blizzard: The science behind the storm
By Wes Junker
“Phasing streams” will lead to a meteorological bomb that will release vast quantities of snow.

By Wes Junker  |  02:36 PM ET, 02/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Science, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 02/07/2013

National Weather Service names Louis Uccellini director
By Jason Samenow
Reeling from recent controversies over its budget and an exodus in senior leadership, the National Weather Service looked from within to establish some stability. Today it appointed 24-year NWS veteran Dr. Louis Uccellini as its next director.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:13 PM ET, 02/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government

Posted at 12:01 PM ET, 02/07/2013

New England blizzard: Two feet of snow possible from East Coast bomb, Boston may be ground-zero
By Jason Samenow
Confidence continues to grow that Boston will face a major to historic blizzard Friday into Saturday. New York City may also experience a period of blizzard conditions, but questions remain about how much precipitation falls as snow. Washington, D.C. will likely just get grazed by rain and, perhaps, a little wet snow at the onset.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:01 PM ET, 02/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:26 PM ET, 02/06/2013

Boston, eastern New England may get blitzed by crippling blizzard Friday into Saturday
By Jason Samenow
A storm moving up the East Coast Friday will explosively strengthen, potentially dumping paralyzing quantities of snow in eastern New England late this week. Questions still linger about exact amounts, but current model simulations suggest totals easily exceeding one feet are a strong possibility.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:26 PM ET, 02/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:12 PM ET, 02/06/2013

Moscow, Russia crippled by historic snow
By Jason Samenow
According to news reports, Moscow has endured its snowiest winter in a century, with 216 centimeters so far, or slightly over 85 inches.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:12 PM ET, 02/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/06/2013

D.C. snow drought: It’s worse than you think
By Ian Livingston
Washington, D.C. has now gone a record 742 days without a 2”+ snow event. We’ve been treated to frequent snow in the air of late, just not any of significance. A truly tormenting tease if you’re longing for snow fun.

By Ian Livingston  |  11:00 AM ET, 02/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 03:12 PM ET, 02/05/2013

Volatile weather pattern *could* turn snowier by Valentine’s Day
By Wes Junker
The last several weeks have been a roller coaster ride alternating between cold and warm periods but the cold has yet to produce any significant snowstorms. By around Valentine’s Day, the pattern may become a little more promising for snow lovers.

By Wes Junker  |  03:12 PM ET, 02/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms | Tags:  latest

Posted at 01:41 PM ET, 02/05/2013

National Weather Service review finds faults with June derecho forecast
By Jason Samenow
A review of the National Weather Service’s forecasts for the June 29, 2012 derecho finds it was unsuccessful in providing long-lead times for the thunderstorm complex that produced a trail of destruction from Indiana to the Mid-Atlantic coast. The report praised the NWS’ short-term issuance of warnings, but stressed they should contain stronger language for conveying the urgency in such violent storm events.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:41 PM ET, 02/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government, Thunderstorms

Posted at 10:25 AM ET, 02/05/2013

Snowmageddon: When three years ago seems like an eternity (VIDEO)
By Jason Samenow
Snowmageddon is entrenched in the memories of those who lived through it. Judging by the number of times I get the question “when is the next big snowstorm coming?”, it seems many are hungry for a repeat.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:25 AM ET, 02/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, Snowmageddon, Winter Storms

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 02/04/2013

Some snow possible for P.M. commute; Washington, D.C. is dusting central
By Jason Samenow
Late this afternoon, another clipper sweeps into the D.C. area, with areas of snow, starting right around the PM rush hour.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:03 PM ET, 02/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:07 AM ET, 02/04/2013

Great Falls transformed: From frosty to flooded
By Kevin Ambrose
From frosty falls to flooded falls in a little over a week’s time. A photo and video comparison.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  09:07 AM ET, 02/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography, Nature | Tags:  latest

Posted at 07:27 AM ET, 02/02/2013

Groundhog Day 2013: No shadow for Punxsutawney Phil, so spring is around the corner
By Jason Samenow
Groundhog Phil failed to see his shadow in the town of Punxsutawney, Pa.

By Jason Samenow  |  07:27 AM ET, 02/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Humor, Latest, Nature

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 02/01/2013

The sculptor and the magic snow machine
By Walter Crain
Last Thursday, while most of the Washington, D.C. area awoke to a miserly half inch of snow, I awoke to find 24 inches in my front yard.

By Walter Crain  |  12:12 PM ET, 02/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Humor

Posted at 10:11 AM ET, 02/01/2013

Clipper drops quick dusting to 1 inch of snow in Washington, D.C. area (PHOTOS)
By Jason Samenow
A fast moving ripple in the atmosphere produced bands of gusty snow showers early this morning. In some places, the wind-whipped snow fell heavily for a brief time, icing over roads.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:11 AM ET, 02/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Photography | Tags:  latest

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 01/31/2013

The 2013 Washington Weather eCalendar and wallpaper photos
By Kevin Ambrose
For many years, I have created a paper-based Washington Weather calendar for friends, family, and a few loyal CWG readers. This year, I decided to try something new, an eCalendar that can be distributed over the Internet.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  02:53 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Capital Weather Gang, Photography

Posted at 01:40 PM ET, 01/31/2013

Snow hunt: three chances for flurry-fests next 5 days, then milder
By Wes Junker
It’s hard to believe it was over 70 degrees yesterday. A series of clipper systems presents three chances for a little snow between now and Wednesday.

By Wes Junker  |  01:40 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms | Tags:  latest

Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 01/31/2013

Summer-like winds generate mid-winter deluge Wednesday in Washington, D.C. area
By Jason Samenow
A mad rush of warm, humid air from the sub-tropics triggered an unusual January episode of wind-driven rains over the Washington, D.C. metro region Wednesday night

By Jason Samenow  |  10:56 AM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Floods, Thunderstorms | Tags:  latest

Posted at 01:25 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Squall line poses heavy rain and strong wind risk tonight for Washington, D.C. area
By Jason Samenow
A lengthy line of heavy showers and thunderstorms stretching from New Orleans to Toronto will plow eastward today, bearing down on the East Coast and Washington D.C. area tonight. This squall line has the potential to produce some damaging wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines, and leading to power outages

By Jason Samenow  |  01:25 PM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Thunderstorms | Tags:  latest

Posted at 03:57 PM ET, 01/29/2013

Behind the busted forecast: the wedge wimps out
By Jason Samenow
Forecasts this morning called for highs in the upper 40s to low 50s. Reality? 65-70!

By Jason Samenow  |  03:57 PM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest | Tags:  latest

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 01/29/2013

Smog pollution chokes Beijing, China air
By Jason Samenow
Since January began, a nasty brew of gray and brown smog has commandeered Beijing’s air on multiple occasions, deeply compromising its air quality and slashing visibility.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:33 PM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather, Health, Environment

Posted at 10:59 AM ET, 01/29/2013

Wild Wednesday: Cold front brings potential for strong storms and heavy rain

By Ian Livingston
A powerful system to the west and its cold front are set to bring us a wet Wednesday. There’s even a chance of some rare wintertime severe weather in the area.

By Ian Livingston  |  10:59 AM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Thunderstorms

Posted at 03:49 PM ET, 01/28/2013

Five mind-boggling images of freak Atlantic storm
By Jason Samenow
What began as a weak, moisture-deprived disturbance over the U.S. late last week, transformed into a storm of incredible size and strength over the North Atlantic this weekend.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:49 PM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather, Photography

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 01/28/2013

Thermal pollution of the atmosphere: Can it alter weather patterns and climate?
By Steve Tracton
In a paper published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change, scientists conclude that heat from energy use in large urban areas can collectively alter the character of the jet stream and other major atmospheric systems.

By Steve Tracton  |  02:07 PM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Climate Change, Latest

Posted at 11:26 AM ET, 01/28/2013

The Knickerbocker Snowstorm: Inside insights on D.C.’s deadliest disaster
By Jason Samenow
On this date in 1922, 28 inches of snow piled up in Washington, D.C., an amount never since surpassed from a single storm. The weight of the snow caused the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre - located in Adams Morgan - to collapse, killing 98 people and injuring 133.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:26 AM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography, History, Local Climate

Posted at 03:50 AM ET, 01/28/2013

An icy Monday morning commute? Winter weather advisory posted for D.C. area
By Jason Samenow and Dan Stillman
A warm front lifts through the region tomorrow and unseasonably mild air is on the way for mid-week. But before the warm air gets here, an area of light rain will fall into a pocket of lingering cold air, creating potentially icy conditions for Monday morning’s rush hour.

By Jason Samenow and Dan Stillman  |  03:50 AM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:53 AM ET, 01/25/2013

Sun and snow at Great Falls
By Kevin Ambrose
The clipper storm system that arrived on Wednesday night dropped about an inch of snow across much of the immediate Washington area, enough to prompt me to make a trip out to Great Falls to shoot snow.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  09:53 AM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography

Posted at 10:56 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Light snow on track for Friday afternoon and evening
By Jason Samenow
Examining the latest computer model data this evening, our general ideas about Friday’s snow have not changed. The best bet is around 1 inch of sweepable light snow, coinciding with the afternoon rush hour.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:56 PM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Roller coaster ride: Warm-up next week, then cold may return in early Feb.
By Wes Junker
Up and down we go. After our coldest weather in a few years, temperatures recover into the 50s next week. But beyond that, temperatures trend down and perhaps way down by the time February begins.

By Wes Junker  |  02:24 PM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Classic “snow hole” model simulation for Washington, D.C. (for Friday)
By Jason Samenow
You can’t make this stuff up...

By Jason Samenow  |  01:27 PM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Humor

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 01/24/2013

First widespread snowfall of 2013 in Washington, D.C. (PHOTOS)
By Jason Samenow
For once this 2012-2013 winter season, a snow event behaved as advertised in the Washington, D.C. area - with amounts meeting and, in a few places, exceeding forecasts.

By Jason Samenow  |  09:49 AM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 01/23/2013

Friday’s fickle storm: Will snowflakes fall or fail?
By Jason Samenow
Since early in the week, models have trended drier with the amount of snow forecast for the D.C. area Friday afternoon, with some showing none at all. But, overall, most models simulate a least a little snow for the region and “a little” is what we think is most likely.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:40 PM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:51 PM ET, 01/23/2013

Fast moving “clipper” may produce dusting to inch of snow overnight; a few AM slick spots possible
By Jason Samenow
A moisture-starved, but energetic ripple in the atmosphere will zip across the Mid-Atlantic tonight, producing areas of snow showers. Given very cold temperatures near 20 degrees, every fluffy flake will stick.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:51 PM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 11:23 AM ET, 01/23/2013

East Coast ice box: coldest weather in years freezes big cities
By Jason Samenow
Along the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. to New York City, the mercury plunged into the single digits and teens Wednesday morning - the coldest readings witnessed in years.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:23 AM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Extreme Cold, U.S. Weather

Posted at 09:59 AM ET, 01/23/2013

Nuclear power plant produces snow in southwest Pennsylvania
By Jason Samenow
The hot steam from a nuclear power plant in southwest Pa. interacted with incoming cold air to produce snow.

By Jason Samenow  |  09:59 AM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Environment, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:57 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Some snow on Friday remains possible and even a dusting late Wednesday night
By Wes Junker
Two possible snow events are on the horizon. The first is a weak disturbance or “clipper” which could bring a dusting as it crosses the area late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. A more significant storm may impact the area during the day on Friday.

By Wes Junker  |  01:57 PM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 01/22/2013

Putting an Arctic cold blast in perspective in Washington, D.C.

By Ian Livingston
Since there was not much winter last year, this Arctic blast will be the worst in at least two years. Is it more than that? We provide some goalposts to watch going forward.

By Ian Livingston  |  10:30 AM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Extreme Cold, Local Climate

Posted at 01:44 PM ET, 01/21/2013

Snow or frozen mix quite possible Friday
By Jason Samenow

By Jason Samenow  |  01:44 PM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 08:55 PM ET, 01/20/2013

International Space Station captures Washington, D.C. from space for inauguration
By Jason Samenow
Coinciding with Inauguration weekend, NASA’s International Space Station has been flying over Washington, D.C., grabbing stunning imagery in the process

By Jason Samenow  |  08:55 PM ET, 01/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Space, Photography, Government

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 01/19/2013

National Weather Service official offers rationale for faulty storm watch
By Jason Samenow
James Lee, the meteorologist in charge at the Sterling NWS office, sent me an email describing the rationale for the controversial watch storm watch issued Wednesday. I give him the last word...

By Jason Samenow  |  12:53 PM ET, 01/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government

Posted at 04:36 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Inaugural beacons: Jupiter and the moon convene Monday
By Blaine Friedlander
Take a break from the inauguration hoopla. While dancers sway to the music at Washington’s inaugural balls on Monday the cosmic couple Jupiter and the fattening moon deliver a heavenly waltz: They are less than a degree apart.

By Blaine Friedlander  |  04:36 PM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Astronomy

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Inauguration weather forecast for Washington, D.C., and what to wear
By Jason Samenow
The Arctic floodgates open Sunday, sending a rush of chilly air towards Washington, D.C. just in time for President Obama’s second inauguration.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:33 PM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Inauguration

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 01/18/2013

National Weather Service’s head-scratching Winter Storm Watch for Thursday’s non-storm
By Jason Samenow
The National Weather Service decision to issue the watch, in my view, was flawed. It misled and confused the public, and likley contributed to needless expenditures for salt/chemical treatment of roads.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:12 PM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Government

Posted at 09:59 AM ET, 01/18/2013

The Washington D.C. snow hole: version 3.0
By Jason Samenow
It struck in the winter of 2010-2011, last winter was like one big giant snow hole, and, it’s back, back again. Here’s 2012-2013’s version of the Washington, D.C. snow hole.

By Jason Samenow  |  09:59 AM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Humor

Posted at 12:37 PM ET, 01/17/2013

Why today’s storm isn’t a big snow producer for Washington, D.C.
By Jason Samenow
Today’s storm effects in D.C. will bear little resemblance to the paralyzing January 26, 2011 “Commutageddon” event and there are good meteorological reasons for it.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:37 PM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, History

Posted at 10:18 AM ET, 01/17/2013

Mixed precipitation and wet snow possible later today around D.C., low accumulation chances
By Jason Samenow
Irony: a power-packed storm whitening the landscape of Mississippi and northwest Alabama this morning will struggle to produce meaningful snow in Washington, D.C. today. Our longest period on record without at least 2 inches of snow stands to continue.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:18 AM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 10:54 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Thursday snow update: Minor accumulation possible, best chance from D.C. south
By Dan Stillman
After looking at the latest model information, tomorrow’s iffy chances of accumulating snow are still just that.

By Dan Stillman  |  10:54 PM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Washington D.C. snow forecast for Thursday, January 17: accumulation map, timeline
By Jason Samenow
A wound-up storm passing to our south combined with some modestly cold air streaming in from the north provides the opportunity for some snow in Washington, D.C. Thursday. The most likely timing for precipitation spans from late morning through early-to-mid evening. The afternoon and evening rush hour *may* be impacted by snow.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:33 PM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 11:26 AM ET, 01/16/2013

Washington, D.C. presidential inauguration weather history
By Justin Grieser
What are typical weather conditions on Inauguration Day in the nation’s capital? And which years had the warmest, coldest, wettest or snowiest ceremonies?

By Justin Grieser  |  11:26 AM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  History, Latest

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 01/15/2013

A cold, borderline frigid inauguration week is expected
By Wes Junker
Seasonal temperatures are expected for the remainder of this week. But an arctic front arrives Sunday, feeding cold air into the region for inauguration week.

By Wes Junker  |  03:24 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Inauguration

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Washington, D.C. can’t buy snow
By Jason Samenow
Even as temperatures trend colder in our nation’s capital, the snow shows no sign of coming.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:14 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather, International Weather, Local Climate

Posted at 09:49 AM ET, 01/15/2013

Knickerbocker snowstorm: The final performance
By Kevin Ambrose
The Knickerbocker Theater’s orchestra was playing when the theater’s roof collapsed under the weight of a record-breaking snowstorm. This is the tragic story of the orchestra’s final performance.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  09:49 AM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, History

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Record cold in Los Angeles, Jimmy Kimmel mocks media coverage
By Jason Samenow
The mercury in Los Angeles tanked to its lowest level in 22 years, bottoming out at a daily record low of 34 degrees this morning.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:24 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather

Posted at 02:31 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Arctic blast may blow in for Obama’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
By Jason Samenow
Computer models are starting to come into agreement that a powerful cold front will drive across the eastern U.S. this Sunday, sending temperatures plummeting just in time for President Obama’s second inauguration Monday, January 21.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:31 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Inauguration

Posted at 12:09 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Federal climate report predicts spike in hot days for Washington, D.C. by mid-century
By Jason Samenow
Washington, D.C. just experienced its warmest year on record, and its three hottest summers in as many years. The message from the draft of a newly released federal report? Get used to it.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:09 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Extreme Heat, Climate Change

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 01/13/2013

Behind today’s busted forecast: the wedge always wins
By Jason Samenow
We had talked about it for days. A big push of southerly air at high altitudes was supposed to warm us up today - big time. Instead, a very shallow layer of cool air or a “wedge” got stuck and proved too much to overcome, obliterating earlier forecasts for highs in the 60s or even near 70.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:33 PM ET, 01/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 03:59 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Experts divided on weather and flu link
By Jason Samenow
Flu has reached widespread levels in 47 states. Does cold, dry weather lead to the flu outbreaks? The cold not so much. Dry weather may play a role, although it’s controversial.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:59 PM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  capital-weather-gang, Health, Latest

Posted at 02:40 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Coldest weather in 28 years hits China
By Jason Samenow
While Australia simmers, China shivers.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:40 PM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 01/11/2013

Washington, D.C. inauguration weather forecast: early look suggests chilly conditions
By Jason Samenow
President Obama’s second inauguration is 10 days away, close enough in range to start examining the big picture weather pattern.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:02 AM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Inauguration, Latest

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Snow fences: Do they still serve a purpose?
By Don Lipman
Are these decidedly low-tech, old-fashioned structures still as valuable today?

By Don Lipman  |  03:00 PM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:21 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Australia braces for more blistering heat after record busting spell
By Jason Samenow
Four of Australia’s hottest 10 days on record have occurred this young calendar year and another punishing round of heat is on the way.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:21 PM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather, Climate Change

Posted at 11:48 AM ET, 01/10/2013

Snow blankets parts of Middle East, Jerusalem (PHOTOS)
By Jason Samenow
Four to six inches of snow fell in Jerusalem Wednesday night into Thursday morning, snarling traffic and closing schools and government offices.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:48 AM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Which is more pathetic? Winter, or the Wizards (POLL, 2013 edition)
By Capital Weather Gang
Here we go again. Another meteorological winter is almost halfway in the books and we are faced with a familiar question: Which is more pathetic so far?... this winter’s lack of snow?... or the hapless Wizards? Here’s your chance to vote...

By Capital Weather Gang  |  01:00 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Humor, Local Climate

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 01/09/2013

Advice to snow lovers: Move to higher ground! Why higher elevations get more snow.
By Kathryn Prociv
In this post, I will break down a couple of reasons why our neighbors living on higher ground often have the better chance of seeing significant snow while the rest of us are left wanting under a cold rain or mix. Then, I’ll look back at how elevation played a key role in snow accumulations for three minor winter events in late December.

By Kathryn Prociv  |  11:00 AM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 01/08/2013

Record heat in Australia fuels wildfires as temperatures soar over 100ºF
By Justin Grieser
The new year is off to a record-hot start in Australia, where blistering heat and wildfires have torched southern and eastern parts of the country. Yesterday, Australia’s average high temperature set an all-time record. Along Australia’s southern coast, temperatures have reached as high as 48ºC (119ºF). Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology reports that this is the first time Australia has ever recorded five consecutive days of temperatures above 39ºC (102ºF).

By Justin Grieser  |  11:10 AM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 04:55 AM ET, 01/06/2013

Redskins vs. Seahawks weather forecast: Layer up for the cold air and a hot game
By David Streit
Been a while since the Redskins played in January! Game time temps aren’t too cold, but still cold enough to bundle up. At least with a packed house everyone should be able to huddle up and stay warm.

By David Streit  |  04:55 AM ET, 01/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  SkinsCast, Latest

Posted at 04:29 PM ET, 01/04/2013

World’s biggest weather conference to see huge drop in National Weather Service attendance
By Jason Samenow
Starting this Sunday, January 6, more than 3,000 meteorology professionals will convene in Austin, Texas for the American Meteorological Society (AMS) annual meeting. But the National Weather Service (NWS) representation at the meeting will be its weakest in years.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:29 PM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government

Posted at 02:52 PM ET, 01/04/2013

U.S. and northern hemisphere snow cover reach “record” highs, so what?
By Jason Samenow
Too much is being made of recent snow cover records established in the U.S. and northern hemisphere.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:52 PM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Climate Change

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 01/04/2013

Winter weather in hiding through mid-January: any hope for snow?
By Jason Samenow
Temperatures have hovered near normal in Washington, D.C. in the New Year, but snow lovers - no doubt - are disconsolate over a snow drought which has reached record duration.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:32 AM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Capital Weather Gang

Posted at 02:06 PM ET, 01/03/2013

2012’s surreal record warmth in the U.S.
By Jason Samenow
It’s amazing to watch 2012 warm weather records stream in at national, regional and local scales

By Jason Samenow  |  02:06 PM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Climate Change, U.S. Weather

Posted at 10:27 AM ET, 01/03/2013

Washington, D.C. in longest recorded drought without 2 inch or greater snow event
By Ian Livingston
We now have a running stretch of 708 days without a 2 inch or greater snowfall, the longest span on record dating back to the late 1800s.

By Ian Livingston  |  10:27 AM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Local Climate, Capital Weather Gang, Latest

Posted at 02:59 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Quadrantids: first meteor shower of 2013 tonight
By Jason Samenow
Late tonight, and I mean late: the Quadrantids meteor shower will peak with up to 50-100 or so meteors streaking through the sky per hour. The best viewing time will be between about 3 a.m. and dawn.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:59 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Astronomy, Latest, Space

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 01/02/2013

December 2012: Very warm close to record warm year in Washington, D.C.

By Matt Rogers
December marked the 11th warmer-than-normal month of the 2012 calendar year and helped cement Washington, D.C.’s 2012 status as the warmest year on record. The month closed as the sixth warmest December on record.

By Matt Rogers  |  11:27 AM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 12/31/2012

Reagan National Airport's misleading low temperatures
By Jason Samenow
A retired climatologist reveals a stunning disparity in freezing December mornings at Reagan National Airport compared to other locations both in the D.C. area and to the south!

By Jason Samenow  |  12:50 PM ET, 12/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 11:36 AM ET, 12/31/2012

Top 5 international weather events of 2012
By Justin Grieser
From a severe cold snap in Europe to ferocious storms from the tropics to the Arctic, extreme weather events claimed thousands of lives and caused significant economic losses around the globe in the past year. As 2012 closes, let’s take a look at the highest impact major weather events to occur outside the U.S.

By Justin Grieser  |  11:36 AM ET, 12/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather

Posted at 04:55 AM ET, 12/30/2012

Redskins vs. Cowboys weather forecast: Bone chilling cold but diminishing winds
By David Streit
Good news is that gusty winds of earlier in the day will wane during the evening. Still, wintry cold should be a shock for the boys from the South. Hopefully everyone in attendance can ward off the cold by jumping up and down celebrating a bunch of Redskins touchdowns.

By David Streit  |  04:55 AM ET, 12/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  SkinsCast, Latest

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 12/29/2012

Update: Snow, mixed precipitation exit region with little accumulation
By Dan Stillman and Jason Samenow
Noon Update: The back edge of the snow has reached the District where big fat flakes are falling sometimes mixed with rain and sleet. Southwest of town, precipitation has ended. Over the next 30 to 60 minutes, precipitation will exit the region entirely.

By Dan Stillman and Jason Samenow  |  12:00 PM ET, 12/29/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 12/28/2012

Minor snow event likely for D.C. area Saturday morning, coating to a couple inches possible
By Jason Samenow
Since the crippling Commutageddon storm of January 26, 2011 (almost two years ago), snow events in Washington, D.C. area have - without exception - been minor, producing no more than 1-3 inches in the area. Saturday morning brings yet another of these relatively inconsequential opportunities for light snowfall.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:30 PM ET, 12/28/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 12/28/2012

Thursday’s mountain wave clouds in the Mid-Atlantic
By Jason Samenow
As strong westerly winds (gusting over 40 mph in spots) roared over the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains Thursday in the wake of the Boxing Day storm, wave-like cloud formations developed in lengthy streaks over the Mid-Atlantic

By Jason Samenow  |  01:17 PM ET, 12/28/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 09:21 AM ET, 12/28/2012

Top 5 Washington, D.C. weather events of 2012
By Ian Livingston
Warmth, and storms arguably boosted by that warmth, dominated local weather headlines in 2012. After a winter without a winter, we got off to a blazing start to the warm season with the toastiest March on record, and then we were unfortunate enough to deal with our third top-three hottest summer of heat in as many years.

By Ian Livingston  |  09:21 AM ET, 12/28/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Local Climate, Latest, Extreme Heat

Posted at 04:19 PM ET, 12/27/2012

2012: a year of electrifying weather photos in the Washington, D.C. area
By Kevin Ambrose
I have selected 20 interesting photographs from 2012 that have either appeared on our Capital Weather Gang blog or Flickr page. Most of the photographs were taken in the District but a few were shot in Maryland and Virginia.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  04:19 PM ET, 12/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Photography, Local Climate

Posted at 11:25 AM ET, 12/27/2012

Done deal: Washington, D.C. to complete warmest year on record in 2012
By Matt Rogers
2012 was a year of crazy weather in Washington, D.C. from the nearly snowless winter to the summer’s scorching heat and high energy derecho to Superstorm Sandy. But the year will have yet another asterisk next to it for achieving perhaps the most remarkable milestone: warmest on record.

By Matt Rogers  |  11:25 AM ET, 12/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, Climate Change

Posted at 04:18 PM ET, 12/26/2012

December 25-26 storm: record Christmas tornado outbreak in South, heavy snow, rain to north
By Jason Samenow
From a record Christmas Day tornado outbreak to today’s heavy snows in the Ohio Valley, interior Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the storm coming up the East Coast has left quite a mark.

By Jason Samenow  |  04:18 PM ET, 12/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather, Winter Storms, Thunderstorms

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 12/26/2012

Update: Wintry mess to change to heavy rain this afternoon
By Jason Samenow
From the I-95 corridor, including the District, out into our northern and western suburbs, snow, sleet and freezing may have created messy, slick travel this morning - especially with most roads untreated. This wintry mix will gradually transition to heavy rain late this morning and afternoon, first along the I-95 corridor and eventually working its way towards our far western suburbs.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:00 PM ET, 12/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Updates, Latest

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 12/24/2012

Update: Light snow, wintry mix moving through Washington, D.C. area Christmas Eve
By Jason Samenow
Radar shows light snow and flurries have advanced into the immediate metro region and our legions of Twitter reporters provide ground truth. Snow is falling throughout northern Virginia, Prince George’s county, and flurries have also been spotted in the District and Bethesda. This activity will continue to advance into our northern suburbs in the next hour.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:40 PM ET, 12/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:14 PM ET, 12/24/2012

Dangerous severe weather outbreak possible in South Christmas Day
By Jason Samenow
A violent outbreak of severe weather is possible across the deep South Christmas Day. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes - a few of which may be strong - are possible.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:14 PM ET, 12/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather

Posted at 10:28 AM ET, 12/24/2012

Wintry mix approaching from southwest; some snow may accumulate in colder suburbs

By Jason Samenow
A weak weather system coming up from the southwest has already produced a mix of snow, sleet and rain in central Virginia. This area of mixed precipitation should reach the Washington, D.C. metro area this afternoon.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:28 AM ET, 12/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 09:41 PM ET, 12/23/2012

Update: Christmas Eve wet snow likely
By Jason Samenow
Conversational “ambiance” snow Christmas Eve? It’s looking more and more likely around the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore regions

By Jason Samenow  |  09:41 PM ET, 12/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 03:17 PM ET, 12/23/2012

Stormy but snow hard to come by Christmas week
By Wes Junker
Three rounds of precipitation are on tap for Christmas week but snow may prove to be elusive.

By Wes Junker  |  03:17 PM ET, 12/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 12/22/2012

Update: Christmas Eve and December 26 winter storm threats
By Ian Livingston
The Snow Potential Index returned today, and that means snow chances are on the table again. Just in time the holidays.

By Ian Livingston  |  02:07 PM ET, 12/22/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Updates

Posted at 02:51 PM ET, 12/21/2012

Wind advisory Saturday for Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas
By Jason Samenow
Winds have howled today with gusts to 35 mph, but they’ll rage tomorrow, with gusts up to 50 mph. Given the intensity of wind predicted, the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the entire Washington, D.C. and Baltimore regions from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:51 PM ET, 12/21/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 12/21/2012

Christmas travel weather: wind and snow spell trouble in some spots
By Jason Samenow
Today into Christmas Eve, many people will take to the roads and the sky for holiday travel. On the plus side, the worst of Thursday’s blizzard is over, but very strong winds and pockets of snow on the storm’s backside will create hazards in the eastern third of the U.S. through late Saturday.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:24 AM ET, 12/21/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather

Posted at 04:35 PM ET, 12/20/2012

Monster storm brings blizzard to Upper Midwest, tornadoes to South
By Jason Samenow
A massive early winter storm is producing hazardous weather from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. A blizzard has paralyzed parts of Midwest while severe thunderstorms - some spawning tornadoes - have rumbled through the South

By Jason Samenow  |  04:35 PM ET, 12/20/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather

Posted at 02:56 PM ET, 12/20/2012

Hazardous wind event possible Saturday; strong winds tonight and Friday too
By Jason Samenow
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for the entire Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metro regions for during the day Saturday.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:56 PM ET, 12/20/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 12/20/2012

Winter Solstice 2012: Myths and facts about the shortest day of the year
By Justin Grieser
The world won’t end on December 21, but the 2012 winter solstice is still on the astronomical calendar.

By Justin Grieser  |  12:54 PM ET, 12/20/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Astronomy, Latest

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 12/20/2012

The killer London smog event of December, 1952: a reminder of deadly smog events in U.S.
By Steve Tracton
Sixty years ago this month (December), London was enveloped under a toxic mix of dense fog and sooty black smoke for four days. This episode of polluted air is among the deadliest environmental disasters in recorded history.

By Steve Tracton  |  10:30 AM ET, 12/20/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, History, Environment

Posted at 03:55 PM ET, 12/19/2012

Blizzard pummeling eastern Rockies and western Plains eyes Upper Midwest
By Jason Samenow
A major winter storm in the eastern Rockies and Plains will shift towards the Great Lakes Thursday, producing heavy snowfall, strong winds and dangerously low visibilities

By Jason Samenow  |  03:55 PM ET, 12/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  capital-weather-gang, U.S. Weather, Latest

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 12/19/2012

December warmth in D.C. and its signal for temperatures the rest of winter
By Ian Livingston
It’s been one of the warmest Decembers on record, and likely to finish that way. What does the mean for January and February?

By Ian Livingston  |  12:30 PM ET, 12/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Local Climate, Latest

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 12/19/2012

Three year anniversary: Snowpocalypse of December 18-19, 2009
By Kathryn Prociv
What did Washington D.C. look like three years ago? For the most part, it looked much the same as today except for one small matter: D.C. was buried under 16 to 24 inches of freshly fallen snow.

By Kathryn Prociv  |  10:30 AM ET, 12/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  History, Latest

Posted at 05:05 PM ET, 12/18/2012

White Christmas tracker, December 18: Are snow chances hopeless in Washington, D.C.?
By Jason Samenow
We’re now a week from Christmas Day - within the range models begin to have some accuracy and the details of weather systems start to take shape. Yesterday, we said White Christmas odds were down. Today we can’t quite say they’re out.

By Jason Samenow  |  05:05 PM ET, 12/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Holidays

Posted at 02:30 PM ET, 12/18/2012

The fiscal cliff and weather forecasts
By Jason Samenow
Could falling off the fiscal cliff harm weather forecasts? The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) projects related budget cuts at NOAA and NASA would lead to thousands of lost jobs and jeopardize satellite systems critical to weather prediction.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:30 PM ET, 12/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 12/18/2012

November marked 333 straight warmer than “normal” months worldwide
By Jason Samenow
November 2012 is the latest in a seemingly endless streak of warmer than average months around the globe. We are one third of the way to 1,000 straight warm months.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:34 AM ET, 12/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Climate Change

Posted at 04:13 PM ET, 12/17/2012

White Christmas odds fading, but more winter-like temperatures loom in long range
By Wes Junker
A white Christmas looks unlikely this year and odds are probably below the historical average of 10 percent.

By Wes Junker  |  04:13 PM ET, 12/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms, Holidays

Posted at 02:22 PM ET, 12/17/2012

Evan rips through Fiji as its strongest cyclone on record
By Jason Samenow
Cyclone Evan, after devastating Samoa late last week, tore across Fiji Monday (local time) leaving behind a trail of destruction.

By Jason Samenow  |  02:22 PM ET, 12/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, International Weather, Tropical Weather

Posted at 11:48 AM ET, 12/17/2012

Two spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, to crash into Moon Monday evening
By Jason Samenow
NASA’s twin moon-orbiting probes - Ebb and Flow - have reached the end of their lives. They’ve literally run out of fuel so they will be intentionally run into the ground.

By Jason Samenow  |  11:48 AM ET, 12/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Astronomy

Posted at 09:32 AM ET, 12/17/2012

Capital Weather Gang’s Daily Digit turns 3
By Justin Grieser
Capital Weather Gang’s daily digit celebrates its third birthday this week. From the 2009 December snowstorm to the 2012 derecho, record heat, and then Hurricane Sandy, our daily digit has been telling the (subjective) story of D.C. area weather for three years now.

By Justin Grieser  |  09:32 AM ET, 12/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Capital Weather Gang, Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 03:04 PM ET, 12/14/2012

White Christmas tracker: December 14
By Jason Samenow
D.C.’s odds of a White Christmas strikes me as a trivial topic in light of today’s news, but we promised daily updates, so here goes... The odds of White Christmas in Washington, D.C. continue to be close to average, or around 10 percent.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:04 PM ET, 12/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Holidays

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 12/14/2012

National Weather Service proposes revised language for simplifying winter weather statements
By Jason Samenow
Watch. Warning. Advisory. To weather buffs who have long paid attention to winter weather statements issued by the National Weather Service, these words have a clear and specific meaning. But NWS has found many in the public don’t understand the distinctions between these terms and has developed an alternative approach for communicating winter weather hazards.

By Jason Samenow  |  10:30 AM ET, 12/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government, Winter Storms

Posted at 06:15 AM ET, 12/14/2012

Geminid meteor shower amazes night sky watchers

By Jason Samenow
An onslaught of Geminid meteors dashed through the cloudless skies Thursday night and early Friday morning, putting on a dazzling spectacle.

By Jason Samenow  |  06:15 AM ET, 12/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Astronomy

Posted at 03:41 PM ET, 12/13/2012

White Christmas tracker, December 13
By Jason Samenow
Today we must downgrade chances of a White Christmas in Washington, D.C. area as the potential for a combination of cold air and storminess appears somewhat less promising than previous days.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:41 PM ET, 12/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Holidays

Posted at 01:19 PM ET, 12/13/2012

Meteorologist fired after responding to Facebook comment on her hair
By Jason Samenow
After disparaging remarks about her hair-style were posted to Facebook by a viewer, TV meteorologist Rhonda Lee fired back. That action, and others, say station management, resulted in the termination of her on-camera position at KTBS-TV in Shreveport, La.

By Jason Samenow  |  01:19 PM ET, 12/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Media

Posted at 09:36 AM ET, 12/13/2012

Geminid meteor shower reigns tonight, thanks to a cosmic rocky road
By Blaine Friedlander
In many ways, Thursday night’s peak of the Geminid meteor shower will rock.

By Blaine Friedlander  |  09:36 AM ET, 12/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Astronomy

Posted at 08:02 AM ET, 12/13/2012

The Weather Channel introduces index for rating winter storms
By Jason Samenow
First it gave them names, now it’s assigning them numbers. In its continued aggressive push to help viewers identify and understand storms, the Weather Channel this morning is unveiling a new numeric system for rating the impact of winter storms.

By Jason Samenow  |  08:02 AM ET, 12/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Media, Winter Storms

Posted at 03:56 PM ET, 12/12/2012

White Christmas tracker, December 12
By Jason Samenow
We’re now within two weeks of Christmas, but as to whether there will be snow on the ground in Washington, D.C., we’re no more confident.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:56 PM ET, 12/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 12/12/2012

The National Weather Service winter media workshop
By Kevin Ambrose
The National Weather Service invited members of the local media to attend its annual Winter Media Workshop held Tuesday in their Sterling, Virginia office.

By Kevin Ambrose  |  02:24 PM ET, 12/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Capital Weather Gang, Latest, Government, Media

Posted at 11:23 AM ET, 12/12/2012

NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco stepping down in February
By Jason Samenow
NOAA’s leader, Jane Lubchenco, announced this morning she is leaving the agency at the end of February (2013)

By Jason Samenow  |  11:23 AM ET, 12/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Government

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 12/12/2012

How often does Washington, D.C. have a White Christmas?
By Ian Livingston
Last seen in 2009, an official White Christmas in D.C. doesn’t come along all that often on average. Learn the odds, and find out which years saw snow on the ground or in the air.

By Ian Livingston  |  10:13 AM ET, 12/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Local Climate, Holidays

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 12/11/2012

White Christmas tracker, December 11
By Dan Stillman
This is the second installment of our White Christmas tracker that we introduced yesterday. We’ll run this every week day through Christmas Eve. It’s a daily update on the potential for snow on the ground Christmas Day using computer models.

By Dan Stillman  |  03:50 PM ET, 12/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 12/11/2012

NOAA commissions Sandy assessment team to review NWS performance
By Dan Stillman
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a statement today saying it has commissioned a team to assess National Weather Service performance leading up to and during “Hurricane/Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy.”

By Dan Stillman  |  01:22 PM ET, 12/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Latest, Government, Tropical Weather

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 12/11/2012

Newly discovered small asteroid just misses Earth; next up is much bigger 12/12/12 asteroid
By Steve Tracton
As if 12/12/12 wasn’t curious enough of a date already with the whole Mayan-doomsday-but-not-really thing, there’s also the dicey issue of tomorrow’s relatively close encounter with the huge (nearly three miles long) 4179 Toutatis asteroid, expected to pass within 4 million miles of Earth. As the author of this story puts it, “On the scale of the cosmos, that is a very close shave.”

By Steve Tracton  |  11:30 AM ET, 12/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Astronomy, Latest, Space, Tracton

Posted at 03:07 PM ET, 12/10/2012

White Christmas tracker, December 10
By Jason Samenow
Today, I’m introducing the first day of the White Christmas tracker. We’ll run this every week day through Christmas Eve. It’s a daily update on the potential for snow on the ground Christmas Day using computer models.

By Jason Samenow  |  03:07 PM ET, 12/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 12/10/2012

Behind 30 hours of fog: warm air moving over cold ground, “advection fog”
By Jason Samenow
Since Saturday night, widespread fog has covered large parts of the Washington, D.C. metro region. The explanation is pretty simple: the ground has been relatively cold compared to the air trying to sneak into the area.

By Jason Samenow  |  12:04 PM ET, 12/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Science

Posted at 10:33 AM ET, 12/10/2012

Snowstorm buries Minneapolis, Northern Plains
By Jason Samenow
Minneapolis received a daily record 10.5 inches of snow Sunday as a strong early winter storm carved a path across the Northern Plains and western Great Lakes

By Jason Samenow  |  10:33 AM ET, 12/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather

Posted at 04:55 AM ET, 12/09/2012

Redskins vs. Ravens weather forecast: Cloudy and seasonably cool with a shower threat
By David Streit
This one has trended cooler, but you won’t have to bundle up a ton at least. With a little luck showers stay away or aren’t too numerous by game time, even if drizzle or mist persist.

By David Streit  |  04:55 AM ET, 12/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  SkinsCast, Latest

Posted at 04:48 PM ET, 12/07/2012

Reflections on the NWS Sandy assessment and hurricane warning controversies
By Jason Samenow
Telling commentary in the wake of controversies over NWS’ handling of its hurricane warnings during Superstorm Sandy from various compelling sources,

By Jason Samenow  |  04:48 PM ET, 12/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Latest, Latest, Government, Tropical Weather