Washington, D.C. – Drivers across the D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia region should prepare for slick conditions overnight into Tuesday as temperatures plunge into the teens and single digits, increasing the risk of black ice on key roadways.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a strong high-pressure system moving in from the Tennessee Valley will clear skies and drop temperatures sharply. Dry air and calm winds will allow road surfaces to cool rapidly—especially in rural and elevated areas—creating ideal conditions for patchy ice.
Interstates and highways most vulnerable include I-68 near Cumberland, I-81 from Staunton through Hagerstown, and I-270 between Frederick and Gaithersburg. I-66 west of Fairfax, along with Route 50 and US-340 in the Shenandoah Valley, may also see slick patches, particularly on bridges and shaded curves. In D.C. and Baltimore, surface streets and overpasses may glaze over before sunrise.
Transportation officials advise drivers to slow down, use extra caution on untreated roads, and allow extra braking distance. Pedestrians should watch for ice on sidewalks and stairs.
The cold snap will persist through midweek, with another dangerously cold morning expected Wednesday.
