Washington DC Weather Radar

Washington DC Live Weather

Washington DC Live Weather Radar

Click to toggle between the Washington DC cloud cover radar map and the Washington DC precipitation radar map.

Washington DC Hourly Weather Forecast

Washington DC 7-Day Weather Forecast

Washington DC Weather Overview

Washington DC sits at the fall line where the Piedmont meets the coastal plain, wedged between the Potomac and Anacostia rivers in the Mid-Atlantic's humidity corridor. The District's humid-subtropical climate delivers hot, sticky summers and winters that alternate between rain, sleet, and heavy snow depending on where the rain-snow line falls on any given storm. Washington DC weather radar is the fastest way to track what's coming before conditions deteriorate.

Nor'easters are the biggest recurring threat. These coastal storms crank up from the southwest and can bury the metro under a foot or more of snow in under 24 hours — the February 2010 "Snowmageddon" blizzards dropped 15 to 30 inches across the region, shutting down the federal government for over a week. The NWS Baltimore/Washington office (WFO LWX) covers the entire DC metro area, and their winter storm warnings for Washington DC should be taken seriously. Severe thunderstorms roll through regularly from late spring into early fall, occasionally producing damaging straight-line winds and flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods along both rivers.

Flooding is a persistent hazard year-round. The Potomac and Anacostia have a long record of overbank flooding — Hurricane Isabel (2003) knocked out power to 1.2 million homes and forced evacuations near the waterfront. Washington DC averages 41.8 inches of rainfall per year, with the wettest year on record hitting 66.3 inches in 2018. Ice storms occasionally coat the city in a quarter-inch or more of freezing rain, turning DC's hilly neighborhoods into hazards for drivers and pedestrians.

Washington DC Weather Risks & Safety

Key weather hazards to monitor on the Washington DC weather radar

Nor'easter Risk

Nor'easters are Washington DC's biggest multi-threat storms — heavy snow, powerful winds, and coastal flooding all at once. They track up the Eastern Seaboard from fall through early spring and can grind the city to a halt for 24 to 48 hours. On the radar you can see the precipitation bands wrapping around the storm center and track exactly where the heaviest snow or rain is falling. Past nor'easters have buried Washington DC under record snowfall with widespread power outages.

Flooding & Flash Flood Risk

Flash flooding is Washington DC's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.

Severe Thunderstorm Risk

Severe thunderstorms roll through Washington DC regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Washington DC, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.

Ice Storm Risk

Ice storms are rare in Washington DC but devastating when they hit. A quarter-inch of freezing rain coats everything — roads turn into skating rinks, power lines snap, trees come down. The radar shows whether you're getting rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow — that distinction is critical. When Washington DC gets an ice storm warning, stay off the roads and prepare for power outages that could last several days.

How to Use Washington DC Weather Radar

Follow these steps to get the most from the Washington DC weather radar data.

Check Current Conditions

Open the Washington DC radar page and look at the live weather status bar at the top. It shows current temperature, wind speed, and conditions at Reagan National Airport and across the District.

Watch for Incoming Storms

Hit play on the radar animation to track storm movement toward Washington DC. Nor'easters arrive from the southwest, while summer thunderstorms typically push in from Virginia. Knowing the direction helps you plan.

Review the Hourly Forecast

Check the hourly forecast to see when rain or snow is expected to reach DC. This is especially useful during winter storms, when the rain-snow line can shift by just a few miles and determine whether Capitol Hill gets sleet or heavy snow.

Stay Ahead of Severe Weather

Bookmark this page and return during active weather. The NWS Baltimore/Washington office (WFO LWX) covers the entire DC metro — when watches or warnings drop, the radar shows exactly which neighborhoods are in the path.

Who Benefits from Washington DC Weather Radar

How different people use the Washington DC radar data

Commuters & Drivers

Drivers on I-495 and I-66 can spot incoming storms and avoid flooded underpasses before the worst hits.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Runners on the National Mall and Rock Creek Park trails get 30-minute storm advance warning from the radar.

Event Planners & Families

Outdoor events at RFK Stadium or the National Mall — check radar before setup for real-time storm timing.

Outdoor Workers

Construction crews across the District check radar before scheduling outdoor work around DC's fast-moving storms.

Washington DC Weather FAQ

Common questions about Washington DC weather patterns and radar

When does Washington DC get the most severe weather?

Severe weather peaks in two windows: late spring through early summer, when supercell thunderstorms push up from Virginia, and December through February, when nor'easters can drop anywhere from a trace of snow to more than 20 inches. The January 1922 Knickerbocker Storm dropped 28 inches — one of the city's deadliest weather events.

How much snow does Washington DC get per year?

Washington DC averages about 14.5 inches of snow per year, though that number swings wildly. The February 2010 'Snowmageddon' storms buried parts of the metro under 30 inches, while some winters see almost no accumulation. The rain-snow line matters — a few miles determines whether DC gets a dusting or a blizzard.

Does Washington DC flood regularly?

Yes. The District sits along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, both of which have a history of overbank flooding. Hurricane Agnes (1972) pushed the Potomac to its highest recorded stage at Rock Creek. Even moderate rainstorms can flood low-lying areas like the Southwest Waterfront, and rapid runoff in the urban core overwhelms storm drains quickly.

What was the worst natural disaster in Washington DC history?

The January 1922 Knickerbocker Storm is often cited — 28 inches of snow collapsed the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre, killing 98 people. Hurricane Isabel (2003) is the most impactful modern disaster, cutting power to over 1.2 million homes across the region and causing major flooding along both the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.

How is this radar different from WUSA9 or NBC4 Washington weather radar?

WUSA9 and NBC4 pair their radar with live meteorologist coverage and broadcast forecasts — valuable when a major nor'easter or severe thunderstorm is bearing down on the capital. This page is built for fast, ad-free radar access: interactive RainViewer radar maps, current conditions, and hourly through 7-day forecasts powered by Open-Meteo. No video autoplay, no pop-ups — just the data.

What NWS office covers Washington DC weather?

The NWS Baltimore/Washington office (WFO LWX) in Sterling, Virginia, issues all watches, warnings, and forecasts for the DC metro area, including the District itself, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. During active weather events, their forecasts are the primary authoritative source for the region.