After several weather models generated excitement about the possibility of a November snowstorm late this week, NBC4 meteorologist Doug Kammerer is urging residents to temper their expectations.
Kammerer shared an update Sunday indicating that the potential storm, expected to impact the region Friday and Saturday, November 13-14, is increasingly looking like a cold rain event rather than a significant snowfall for the immediate Washington, DC area. “Seeing SO many posts talk about the storm late this week into Friday and Saturday. This is looking like a nasty storm, but more of a COLD RAIN for our area,” Kammerer wrote.
According to Kammerer, several major weather models have significantly reduced their snowfall projections. The European model continues to show some potential snow in mountainous areas, including the Blue Ridge, while the European AI model, which previously indicated snow for the region, now shows virtually none. The American GFS model, which suggested a major snowstorm just a day earlier, has also backed off considerably.
“That’s why you can’t believe the hype a week out,” Kammerer wrote, emphasizing how difficult it is for the Washington area to receive accumulating snow this early in the season. The update comes after several Maryland-area meteorologists and weather enthusiasts shared computer model projections showing the possibility of significant snowfall around November 15. Those projections included potential accumulations of several inches across Montgomery County and even higher totals farther north and west, although the forecasts were accompanied by warnings about their low likelihood.
Kammerer emphasized that residents should be cautious about dramatic snowfall predictions circulating on social media, particularly when storms are still several days away. While the potential for a significant early-season snowstorm appears to be decreasing, the approaching weather system could still bring cold temperatures and substantial rainfall to the region. Forecast details will continue to evolve as the weekend approaches.
