Washington, DC – As Arctic air surges across the Mid-Atlantic this December, millions of residents are facing a sharp and potentially dangerous temperature drop. With overnight lows expected to fall near 14 degrees Sunday night — and colder in some inland and higher-elevation areas — health officials warn that hypothermia risk will increase rapidly.
According to the National Weather Service, a widespread Arctic blast is impacting the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Clear skies and gusty winds will allow temperatures to drop quickly after sunset, with wind chills falling into the single digits and near zero in parts of the region.
Mid-Atlantic: What to Expect by State
Maryland & Washington, DC: Overnight lows are forecast to fall into the low to mid-teens Sunday night, with colder wind chills, especially outside urban centers.
Virginia: Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens statewide, with colder readings in the Shenandoah Valley and higher elevations.
West Virginia: One of the coldest spots in the region, with lows dipping into the low teens and single digits in mountain communities, along with dangerous wind chills.
Pennsylvania: Central and western Pennsylvania will see teens overnight, with wind chills near or below 10 degrees.
Delaware: Coastal winds will push wind chills into the teens and single digits despite air temperatures near the mid-teens.
Do I Have Hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing core body temperature to fall below 95 degrees. Early symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion, clumsiness, and extreme fatigue. As hypothermia worsens, shivering may weaken or stop entirely — a medical emergency.
Frostbite is also a concern during this Arctic blast. Warning signs include numbness, pale or bluish skin, and hard or waxy-feeling skin, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, and noses.
Officials urge Mid-Atlantic residents to limit outdoor exposure during the coldest hours, especially Sunday night into early Monday. If you must be outside, wear multiple loose layers, insulated gloves, hats, and face coverings. Take frequent warm-up breaks indoors, avoid alcohol, and check on older adults, children, unhoused individuals, and anyone without reliable heating.
If hypothermia is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Move the person to a warm location, remove wet clothing, wrap them in dry blankets, and warm the body gradually. Avoid rubbing extremities or applying direct heat.
As Arctic air grips the Mid-Atlantic this December, recognizing the signs of hypothermia could save lives during this dangerous cold snap.
