An intense cold front carrying the season’s most frigid air will sweep into the D.C. area late Friday, setting the stage for potentially damaging winds Saturday and dangerously low wind chills through much of the weekend.
Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph Saturday could trigger power outages. Combined with the bitter cold, the howling winds will drive wind chills below zero for long stretches from Saturday into Sunday morning.
Because of these hazards, the National Weather Service has issued high wind and extreme cold warnings for large parts of the region.
Ahead of the wind and bitterly cold air, snow showers coinciding with the Friday afternoon rush hour could reduce visibility and create slick spots on area roads.
The Arctic blast — with air traced back to Siberia — will punctuate an already historic cold and icy stretch. Every day over the past two weeks has been colder than normal, including a nine-day run with temperatures below 32 degrees, the longest such streak since 1989.
The snow
The snow showers are anticipated between the midafternoon and evening hours on Friday, ahead of the cold front. The most probable window for snow is between about 2 and 7 p.m.
Some areas may just see flurries and little or no accumulation. But, in others, a coating to an inch or so could fall. A few bursts of heavier snow are possible.
“If this threat does materialize, any untreated roads could quickly turn snow covered and slippery,” the National Weather Service wrote in a special statement. “This could lead to hazardous traveling conditions. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options.”
As temperatures fall after dark on Friday evening, any slushy areas will turn icy and hazardous.
The wind
After the cold front passes late Friday night, winds will escalate predawn Saturday. Gusts could begin exceeding 40 mph before sunrise and then increase to 40 to 50 mph after daybreak. Some gusts over 50 mph are possible between midmorning and late afternoon Saturday. Winds should slowly ease Saturday night.
The Weather Service, which issued the high wind warning from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, warns that some gusts could topple trees and power lines. When winds are strongest, the agency advises to avoid windows, watch for falling debris and to “use caution if you must drive.”
It would be a good idea to secure any loose outdoor items and charge smartphones and critical electronic devices in case of power outages.
The highest gusts, possibly exceeding 60 mph, are expected toward the mountains.
The cold
Temperatures are poised to plummet late Friday night into early Saturday, falling through the 20s and into the teens. Temperatures will probably remain below 20 even on Saturday afternoon.
Factoring in the wind, it will feel like zero to minus 15 for much of Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday morning. “Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures,” the Weather Service warns.
The agency advises dressing in layers if you must go outside and to keep pets indoors as much as possible.
The extreme cold warning for the area is first-ever issued for the D.C. area; it is a new product first implemented in October 2024. Previously, wind chill warnings were issued in similar circumstances. The last wind chill warning for D.C., was issued in 2015.
Freezing temperatures are forecast to linger on Monday before temperatures gradually moderate during the middle of next week, with highs near and above 40.
Ian Livingston contributed to this report.
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