Washington, D.C. – Temperatures will drop sharply late Monday night, bringing a potential freeze that could damage plants and create slick travel conditions by early Tuesday across the D.C. region and surrounding states.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Freeze Watch is in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday morning for much of northern Virginia, central Maryland, and eastern West Virginia. Forecast lows are expected to fall between 24 and 30 degrees in many inland areas, with colder pockets in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghenies.
Cities including Washington, Baltimore, Frederick, Leesburg, and Hagerstown could see several hours below freezing before sunrise Tuesday. Major corridors such as I-95, I-66, I-70, and I-81 may develop patchy frost on bridges and overpasses, especially between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., increasing the risk of slick spots.
This freeze comes after an early start to the growing season, raising concerns for crops, gardens, and flowering trees. Areas east of I-81 are particularly vulnerable, where the typical last freeze has already passed. Residents should cover sensitive plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and protect exposed outdoor plumbing.
Temperatures will rebound later Tuesday, but additional updates are expected as the freeze threat becomes more certain.
