Maryland — Cold air presses hard across the Potomac this morning, stiffening flags and numbing hands within minutes. The chill feels heavier than earlier this week, and it is not done yet.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect across much of central Maryland, northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Wind chills dip to 5 to 8 degrees below zero in colder pockets, especially north and west of the District. The advisory continues through late morning, with another round of dangerous cold expected tonight.
Current temperatures sit in the teens, but the wind makes it feel far colder. Roads appear mostly dry, yet flash freezing remains a concern on bridges and shaded stretches. Drivers along I-95, I-495, and I-270 should watch for slick spots during early commutes.
Conditions stay mostly sunny today, though highs reach only the low 20s. Winds ease slightly by afternoon, but the cold remains persistent. Saturday offers little improvement, with highs near 22 degrees and another frigid night settling in.
Sunday brings a subtle shift. Clouds increase, and a slight chance of snow develops late, especially north of the Beltway. Even light snow could cause issues due to cold pavement and limited melting. Winds turn blustery again, keeping wind chills in the teens.
This pattern connects to a larger Arctic blast stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast. With the Great Lakes nearly 50 percent frozen, cold air continues flowing south, reinforcing winter across the Mid-Atlantic.
By Monday, sunshine returns and temperatures recover modestly into the low 30s. Another system midweek could bring snow chances back as February begins.
Residents should limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers, protect pets and pipes, and plan extra time for travel Sunday.
Five-Day Outlook for Washington, DC
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 22°F
Sunday: Slight chance of snow, high near 26°F
Monday: Sunny, high near 33°F
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 38°F
Wednesday: Chance of snow, high near 35°F
