12–18 Inches Expected for D.C. Region in FOX 5’s 2025–2026 Winter Forecast, Cold December Could Bring Early Snow
Each year, MoCoSnow looks at the different Winter Outlook released by major networks in our area. Thursday morning, FOX 5 DC meteorologists Mike Thomas and Tucker Barnes have released their long-awaited 2025-2026 Winter Outlook, and the Washington region could be in for a true mix of winter weather, from a frigid December to a potentially snow-packed January.
According to the FOX 5 forecast map, the D.C. metro area can expect between 12–18 inches of snow for the season, with slightly lower totals (6–12”) toward the Eastern Shore, and significantly higher amounts (18–30” or more) across the higher elevations of western Maryland and West Virginia. Some mountainous areas, such as Elkins, WV, could see as much as 70–100 inches this winter.
The meteorologists predict one to three “impactful” storms, events producing 4 inches or more, are likely across the DMV. They also forecast that December will start colder than normal, with the first measurable snow (an inch or more) expected before Christmas, something that hasn’t happened since 2017.
Historically, similar cold December setups have led to snowy results, including 1.9 inches in 2017, 4.3 inches in 2005, 2.4 inches in 2000, 9 inches in 1989, and 3.8 inches in 1950. With a December average of 1.8 inches, FOX 5 says an above-average December is very possible this year.
Overall, Thomas and Barnes expect the coldest month to be December, the snowiest month to be January, and a milder finish heading into late February and March, though they caution that even March could bring a surprise snowfall or two.
Their forecast calls for slightly below-normal temperatures overall, average to above-average snowfall, and an above-normal chance for a significant snow event (6–12 inches from a single storm). While a blizzard warning for D.C. itself remains unlikely, the FOX 5 team notes that the setup favors several bursts of active winter weather before spring finally settles in.
