For days, computer models have forecast extreme snow amounts this weekend for the D.C. area. Given the consistency of the models and a weather pattern conducive for a blockbuster storm, human forecasters are now confident enough to predict excessive snow amounts as well.
Generally, the amounts forecast by people are lower than those forecast by the computer. This is likely because human forecasters understand the climatology and storm history of the region and know how improbable the computer simulations are. So, bear in mind, the human forecasts may be a little conservative…
Forecasters
Capital Weather Gang: 12-25 inches
NBC4: 10-18″
Here's the WAY too early, 48 hrs before the 1st flake falls snow forecast. HUGE snow totals likely! Massive impact. pic.twitter.com/ms2uuozOn7
— Chuck Bell (@ChuckBell4) January 20, 2016
FOX5: 1 foot or more
WEATHER UPDATE: Snow totals Fri PM-Sat PM! Still an early look at snow totals. Expect some tweaks to forecast. pic.twitter.com/JaYEUWR5zY
— Tucker Barnes (@TuckerFox5) January 20, 2016
ABC7: 1 to 2 feet
1-2 feet of snow is expected by Saturday night. Stay with your StormWatch7 team for more updates. pic.twitter.com/5YSTASb35s
— Alex Liggitt (@7NewsAlex) January 20, 2016
WUSA9: 1 to 2 feet
Here is our first call. West of I 95 general 18"-24". @AllysonRaeWx @hbwx @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/24HgC5nLf1
— Topper Shutt (@TenaciousTopper) January 20, 2016
National Weather Service: 18-24 inches (through 7 p.m. Saturday, additional snow possible after)
Weather.com: 12-24 inches
Dave Tolleris (WxRisk on Facebook): 12-24 inches
AccuWeather.com: 6-24 inches
Models forecasts
European model: 18-22 inches
GFS: 24-30 inches or more
All GFS ensemble members: Range of 1-3 feet
GFS ensemble mean: 18-24 inches
Canadian: 18-27 inches
NAM model: 18-24 inches through 1 a.m. Sunday
Read more from the Capital Weather Gang
From Snowmageddon to Frankenstorm: Does Mother Nature hate Washington?
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