Alexandria's rare March snowfall stuns after record-breaking heatwave
Alexandria saw an unexpected snowfall on Thursday after days of unusually warm weather. The wintry mix followed a stretch of temperatures reaching as high as 38°C, making the sudden change even more noticeable. Forecasters say the snow will not last long or cause major disruptions.
Earlier this week, the city experienced mild to warm conditions, with highs between 21°C and 38°C. Nighttime lows dipped to 12-27°C, while gusts reached up to 65 km/h. These fluctuations stood out against typical March averages of 21°C highs and 12°C lows.
Rain began in the early afternoon before turning into a mix of snow and sleet. The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang expects precipitation to clear between 1 and 4 p.m., moving from west to east. The National Weather Service predicts accumulations of less than half an inch, mostly on grassy areas rather than roads.
No delays are expected for the evening commute. Stronger cold fronts will arrive on Friday and early next week, but little to no additional precipitation is forecasted.
The brief snowfall marks a sharp shift from recent warmth, with temperatures previously hitting the high 30s. Residents can expect the snow to melt quickly, leaving little trace by late afternoon. Cooler conditions will follow, but no further significant wintry weather is anticipated.
