Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!
🌧️ Today’s weather: Rain is expected before 10am, followed by cloudy skies that will gradually clear up, resulting in mostly sunny weather and a high of around 52°F. South winds at 5-13 mph will shift to the northwest in the afternoon, with gusts reaching 23 mph. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, with minimal amounts likely. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with a low of about 26°F, northwest wind at 10-14 mph, and gusts up to 23 mph.
Hidden behind the relatively boring title “Long-Range Planning Interdepartmental Work Program” is a peek at some of the biggest planning efforts in Alexandria over the next year.
The program spells out some of the biggest priorities for the various city departments for FY 2026-27. For the Department of Planning and Zoning, one of the top items on that list is possible regulations for Alexandria’s short-term residential rental market — i.e. Airbnb and other home-sharing apps.
A parade this weekend in Old Town will celebrate America’s first Commander-in-Chief: George Washington.
The parade is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. The theme this year is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.
The region saw a flurry of snow last night, but with temperatures warming up much of that is already melting.
In all, the National Weather Service said Alexandria accumulated 6.4 inches, roughly average for the area but slightly less than neighboring Hybla Valley’s 8.5 inches (in the city’s defense, it’s cold out).
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is looking to connect locals to their bigger canines this weekend.
The AWLA is hosting Big Love Adoption Weekend from Friday, Feb. 14, to Sunday, Feb. 16. During this weekend, all adoption fees are waived for dogs over 40 pounds.
Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!
❄️ Today’s weather: Snow, freezing rain, and sleet are expected until 1pm, followed by rain and sleet until 4pm, and then a high likelihood of rain afterwards. Cloudy with a high of 36°F, accompanied by an east wind at 6 to 8 mph. 70% chance of precipitation with minimal ice, snow, and sleet accumulation. Rain is expected mainly before 4am on Wednesday night, with lows around 34°F and wind becoming calm after midnight; 100% chance of precipitation with new rainfall amounts between a quarter to half an inch.
School was closed for “traditional snow days” in January, but this month students aren’t so lucky as classes go to “synchronous learning” tomorrow.
According to a message send out by Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt, all schools will implement synchronous virtual learning for students while staff will participate in a virtual workday due to snow.
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt made a small clarifying addendum to a message released last month about how the school division handles immigration concerns.
Last month, Kay-Wyatt sent a letter to community members saying all children have a right to attend ACPS schools regardless of the immigration status of the students or their families. Kay-Wyatt also noted, though, that ACPS “is obligated to comply with all lawful orders and warrants from any law enforcement entity, including ICE.”
Alexandria’s Planning Commission threw its voice behind criticisms that Alexandria City Public Schools dropped the ball on the recent K-8 and PreK-8 school conversions controversy.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously last week in support of a letter concerning the George Mason Elementary School Modernization project and the Pre-K-8 School Capacity Planning Project, both of which faced scrutiny for lapses in public engagement.
For years, City reports have confirmed that John Ewald Park on Duke Street is in rough shape, but the ball started rolling last year on plans to revitalize the lackluster space.
A new survey posted by the City of Alexandria asks for public feedback on plans to transform the park. Proposed new additions include a second basketball court, picnic pavilion, parkour equipment and more.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from the National Weather Service for a snow storm forecast to start this afternoon, but the City of Alexandria is warning residents not to wait too long before clearing snow off their sidewalks.
In an alert, the City of Alexandria reminded locals that they have between 24-72 hours to clear off the pavement adjacent to their property, depending on the severity of the snowfall.
