Maryland greets the morning under hard, rattling gusts as bare trees sway and the cold cuts deep. Loose trash skitters across sidewalks, flags snap sharply, and the air feels hostile before sunrise.
A High Wind Warning and Cold Weather Advisory cover Washington, D.C., central and southern Maryland, and northern Virginia through today and into early Sunday. Northwest winds roar between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts pushing up to 60 mph at times. Wind chills plunge as low as 13 degrees below zero, creating dangerous exposure conditions.
The worst impacts target the I-95 corridor, I-66, Route 50, and the Capital Beltway, where high-profile vehicles struggle in crosswinds. Tree limbs may fall without warning, and isolated power outages remain possible through the afternoon. Walking outside feels harsher than the thermometer suggests, especially in open areas and elevated terrain.
Snow showers remain scattered and brief, but blowing snow and sudden bursts of reduced visibility may surprise drivers later today. Even light accumulation becomes a problem as wind strips heat from pavement and bridges. Plan extra travel time and secure outdoor items now.
By Saturday night, winds gradually weaken. Temperatures remain cold, but the most dangerous gusts fade after sunset. Sunday brings calmer weather and more sunshine, though highs only reach the mid-20s across much of the metro.
Relief finally appears early next week. Monday and Tuesday trend milder, with highs climbing into the 30s and low 40s. By midweek, a broader warming pattern develops, hinting at a return to near-normal February temperatures.
For now, limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak winds. Conditions improve, but today demands caution. Are you seeing strong gusts or outages where you are?
Five-Day Outlook – D.C.–Baltimore Metro
- Saturday: Windy and bitter cold. High 19°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, cold. High 24°F
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, calmer. High 32°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, milder. High 41°F
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, warmer trend. High 46°F
