Weather
DC Weather Alert: 39° Lows Before 70° Monday Warmup Oct 25-26
Washington, DC – A stretch of chilly autumn nights will give way to a noticeable warmup across the nation's capital, with temperatures expected to climb to 70 degrees Monday, Oct. 26. Before that happ
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-23T09:20:26.385Z
Washington, DC – A stretch of chilly autumn nights will give way to a noticeable warmup across the nation's capital, with temperatures expected to climb to 70 degrees Monday, Oct. 26. Before that happens, Washington will experience nighttime lows in the lower 40s, followed by a colder 39 degree reading Sunday night. Patchy fog could also develop early Sunday, creating localized visibility concerns before sunshine returns. The changing conditions will bring a 31 degree difference between Sunday night's projected low and Monday afternoon's high.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington forecast office, Washington will experience predominantly sunny skies through the weekend and into early next week. Friday's high is expected to reach 65 degrees, followed by 64 degrees Saturday and 67 degrees Sunday. Monday will become the warmest day in the supplied forecast, with temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees before slightly cooler conditions return Tuesday and Wednesday.
Washington Heads Toward 70 Degrees Monday The warming trend will develop gradually rather than arriving with a sudden surge in temperatures. Friday, Oct. 23, will feature sunshine and a high near 65 degrees, with northeast winds around 7 mph. Mostly clear conditions will follow Friday night as temperatures fall toward 43 degrees, bringing another cool autumn morning Saturday.
Saturday afternoon will remain sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 64 degrees and light, variable winds. Clear skies and calm conditions Saturday night will allow temperatures to fall near 41 degrees. By Sunday, Oct. 25, daytime temperatures should recover to 67 degrees, although patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m.
The Sunday morning fog could briefly reduce visibility in some locations before sunshine becomes the dominant weather condition. The National Weather Service forecast does not specify how dense the fog may become or indicate that a fog advisory is in effect. Drivers should nevertheless remain attentive to changing visibility during early morning travel, particularly near the Potomac River and other low lying locations where moisture can collect.
Chilly Nights Could Affect Weekend Travel and Activities Despite relatively mild afternoon temperatures, nighttime conditions will remain considerably cooler across Washington. Sunday night's projected low of 39 degrees will be the coldest reading in the available five day forecast. Residents attending evening events or heading outdoors before sunrise may need warmer clothing, especially after spending afternoons in temperatures approaching the upper 60s.
Travelers using Interstate 395, Interstate 295, Interstate 66 and the Capital Beltway should expect generally favorable weather conditions through the weekend. The supplied forecast does not identify significant precipitation, snow, ice or widespread weather related travel disruptions. However, early Sunday fog could produce localized visibility changes, making reduced speeds and additional following distance sensible precautions wherever fog develops.
Outdoor activities around the National Mall, Rock Creek Park and the Washington waterfront should benefit from several days of sunshine. The forecast also favors generally dry conditions for weekend sightseeing and recreation, although temperatures will drop noticeably after sunset. Anyone planning extended outdoor activities should account for the difference between afternoon warmth and cooler evening conditions.
Monday Warmup Followed by a Midweek Cooldown Monday, Oct. 26, will bring the most significant warming in the forecast, with sunshine and temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees. The afternoon will be about 6 degrees warmer than Saturday, offering a relatively mild conclusion to the extended weekend period. Monday night will remain clear, with temperatures falling near 49 degrees.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, will remain sunny, with a high near 68 degrees. Temperatures will then ease toward 64 degrees Wednesday under partly sunny skies, followed by a mostly cloudy Wednesday night with lows around 47 degrees. Thursday should bring another modest recovery, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 68 degrees.
The supplied forecast does not indicate a significant storm system affecting Washington through Thursday. For now, the main developments are the chilly weekend mornings, possible Sunday fog and Monday's return to 70 degree warmth.
Will Washington's warmer Monday encourage you to spend more time outdoors before cooler autumn weather returns?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/23: Sunny skies will bring a high near 65 degrees, with northeast winds around 7 mph; Friday night will become mostly clear, with temperatures falling near 43 degrees and light northeast winds continuing.
Saturday 10/24: Sunshine will continue across Washington, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 64 degrees and light, variable winds; Saturday night will remain clear and calm, allowing temperatures to fall near 41 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Patchy fog is possible before 8 a.m., followed by sunshine and a high near 67 degrees with calm winds; Sunday night will remain clear, with temperatures falling near 39 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Sunny skies will push temperatures toward 70 degrees, making Monday the warmest day in the five day outlook; Monday night will remain clear, with temperatures falling near 49 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Sunshine will continue across the capital, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 68 degrees, slightly cooler than Monday; Tuesday night will become partly cloudy, with temperatures falling near 47 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Wednesday, Oct. 28, is expected to bring partly sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees, followed by mostly cloudy conditions Wednesday night and temperatures around 47 degrees.
Thursday, Oct. 29, should feature mostly sunny skies and a high near 68 degrees, continuing the generally mild afternoon temperature pattern.
The supplied National Weather Service forecast does not establish a significant storm threat or provide verified six to 10 day temperature and precipitation outlook probabilities. Additional weather developments beyond Thursday remain uncertain.