'Significant' Weekend Snowstorm Possible In VA: What We Know

Near-record cold temperatures and significant snowfall are possible in Northern Virginia this coming weekend, with one forecast calling for at least 6 inches of snow to blanket the DC region, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm will arrive Saturday afternoon and continue through the weekend into Sunday night, forecasters said, posing a risk of school cancelations to start next week.

Precise details on the storm remain unclear and could take better shape in the coming days. But, NBC Washington is forecasting 6 inches of snowfall or more possible on Saturday night into Sunday.

"The snow is most likely to arrive late Saturday or Saturday night and continue on through most of the day on Sunday. It is still WAY too early to forecast exact amounts … but early signs are pointing to more than 6 inches," NBC said. "That’s enough to be a 'cancelable' level event for schools in the early parts of next week."

A potent cold front pushes through the region late Thursday into Friday, followed by a reinforcing Arctic front late Friday into Saturday, the Baltimore-DC office of the National Weather Service said.

"Well below average temperatures are forecast, especially by Sunday. Extremely cold temperatures are becoming likely Saturday night into next week, with lows in the single digits and wind chills at or below zero. Near-record low temperatures are possible during this time," the NWS said.

Overnight low temperatures could drop to 11 degrees to 14 degrees Friday through Sunday nights, the NWS said.

Temperatures will be a warm 48 degrees on Thursday, but daytime highs will plummet to the low 20s Saturday through Monday.

"The ingredients are coming into place for a long-duration storm that brings a substantial amount of snow," for numerous states, Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

“Cold air will still be in place the weekend of Jan. 24-25, and there is a signal that there can be a storm during that period, which can help to usher snow across the eastern U.S.," added AccuWeather Meteorologist Peyton Simmers.

Here's the full Northern Virginia forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 29. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 15. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 38.

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Saturday
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night
Snow likely, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 13. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday
Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 25.