As the year 2023 approaches its end, residents in the Washington, D.C., area find themselves waiting for a chance to use snow skis, snowshoes, and snow blowers. Some attribute the lack of snowfall to what is colloquially known as the “D.C. snow hole,” a reputation that suggests the region receives less snow compared to nearby areas, even those to the south of the capital.
Meteorologist Steve Rudin, from 7 News First Alert, notes that the D.C. area averages around 13 inches of snow, and recent seasons have seen exceptionally low snowfall. According to Rudin, several factors contribute to the scarcity of snow in downtown D.C., including the prevalence of concrete, buildings, and traffic, along with geographical features like the Tidal Basin, Potomac River, and the Anacostia River.
Rudin describes a phenomenon called the “D.C. split,” wherein storms approaching from the west tend to fizzle out or split to the north and south, often missing the downtown area. However, he does not believe that the suburbs surrounding D.C. receive less snow than other jurisdictions.
Considering weather patterns, Rudin notes that during El Niño years, which is the case for the current year, there tends to be slightly more snowfall on average. He suggests that moving into February, the chances of accumulating snow will increase, expressing optimism about the potential for snowfall in the coming months.
While Rudin anticipates some snow this winter, he remains uncertain about the likelihood of a significant snowstorm, emphasizing the unpredictability of such weather events.