Meteorologist Mike Thomas of Fox 5 updated his forecast at approximately 2:00 AM UTC on February 21, 2026, stating the fresh 0z GFS model run projects a more impactful snow event for the DC region with 6+ inches becoming more likely, as heavier snow bands shift northwest toward the area Sunday night into Monday. Thomas noted the GFS model continues its pattern of overpredicting local snowfall totals this winter but emphasized its consistency across the last three runs in nudging the heaviest precipitation westward, warranting close monitoring, according to his post on X during the reporting window from 1:45 AM to 4:45 AM UTC. This development builds on the National Weather Service's Winter Storm Watch for the Tri-State region, including DC, forecasting 6-12+ inches of snow and winds gusting 30-50 mph from Sunday 6:00 a.m. through Monday 6:00 a.m., as previously referenced in Baltimore's Winter Shelter Declaration issued February 20.
