Winter Mix Alert: Midday Rain Expected to Turn Slushy by Nightfall

Morning: A Cold and Cloudy Commencement

Washington D.C. residents are waking up to a gray and chilly start this Sunday, February 15, 2026. The morning hours are characterized by increasing cloud cover as a low-pressure system moves toward the Mid-Atlantic region. Early temperatures are hovering in the mid-30s, with a localized low near 30°F in the suburbs. While the commute for early risers will remain dry, the biting humidity—currently around 77%—makes the air feel significantly colder than the raw numbers suggest. Winds are currently light, coming from the northwest at approximately 5 to 10 mph, but are expected to shift and intensify as the storm system approaches.

Afternoon: Rain Moves In as Temperatures Peak

The dry spell is forecasted to end by late morning or early afternoon. Meteorologists predict rain will begin to fall in the District between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. As the precipitation settles in, temperatures will reach their daily high of approximately 45°F. Unlike previous Arctic blasts this month, the midday air will be just warm enough to keep the precipitation in the form of a steady, cold rain for the majority of the city. However, those located north of the Capital Beltway should stay alert for a brief wintry mix during the initial onset. By mid-afternoon, the rain is expected to become more consistent, with accumulation estimates reaching up to half an inch in some areas. Humidity will remain high, near 67%, throughout the day.

Evening and Night: Transitioning to a Slushy Finish

As the sun sets and the mercury begins its descent back toward the mid-30s, the character of the storm may change. While the evening will largely remain a soggy affair for the District proper, the chance of snow mixing with rain increases significantly after 8:00 p.m. Forecasters have noted a 65% to 71% chance of snow or slushy accumulation overnight, particularly in northern D.C. and the Maryland suburbs.

• Temperature Range: High of 45°F, Low of 35°F.
• Precipitation: 90% chance of rain, transitioning to a snow-rain mix late.
• Wind/Alerts: Southwesterly winds at 10-15 mph; no high-wind warnings are currently active, but visibility may be reduced during heavier bursts of rain.

Commuters and residents are advised to exercise caution on the roads tonight, as untreated surfaces could become slippery with slush as temperatures drop toward the freezing mark by Monday morning. The precipitation is expected to wind down by midnight, leaving behind a damp and foggy start to the work week.