Washington, DC – Arctic air is tightening its grip on the DMV, setting up a prolonged stretch of winter cold that could linger through the end of January and into early February. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply this weekend, with overnight lows falling well below normal and daytime highs struggling to rebound across Washington, DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the pattern from Jan. 27 through early February favors much below normal temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic. This Arctic surge is part of a broader national outbreak driving extreme cold across the Midwest and Northeast, while pushing freezing air deep into the eastern U.S., including the I-95 corridor.
The most immediate concern for the DMV is the risk of snow, sleet, and freezing rain this weekend. Wintry precipitation could create slick conditions on I-95, I-495, I-270, I-66, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and major commuter routes, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Rapid temperature drops also raise concerns for icy bridges, frozen pipes, and increased strain on power and heating systems.
While brief temperature moderation may occur, no sustained warm-up is expected before Feb. 2. Officials urge residents to limit non-essential travel during icy periods, protect exposed plumbing, prepare for hard freezes, and monitor updates closely as additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts may be issued while this Arctic pattern remains firmly in place.
