Washington, DC – Drivers across the Washington metro area should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions Monday as an Arctic cold front moves through the region, bringing much colder air by nightfall and into Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington, temperatures will be slightly warmer than recent days Monday but remain below seasonal averages before a strong Arctic front arrives later in the day. The front is expected to usher in sharply colder air overnight, increasing the risk of icy spots on roadways during the late-night and early Tuesday commute.
High temperatures Monday are forecast to range from 20 to 42 degrees, depending on elevation, with overnight lows dropping to between 0 and 19 degrees. Winds will turn blustery behind the front, accelerating heat loss and causing roads to refreeze where moisture remains.
Motorists along major routes including I-95, I-495 (Capital Beltway), I-270, US-50, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway should be alert for slick conditions, particularly on bridges, ramps, and shaded areas.
Tuesday will be noticeably colder, with highs only reaching 12 to 31 degrees and lows falling to 2 to 18 degrees. While skies will be mostly clear, lingering cold will keep travel conditions sensitive during the morning hours.
A brief warming trend is expected Wednesday and Thursday, with highs climbing back into the mid-30s to upper 40s. However, another cold front is forecast to arrive late Thursday, bringing another round of colder temperatures to end the week.
Officials advise residents to dress in layers, limit prolonged outdoor exposure, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready, including checking tire pressure and keeping emergency supplies onboard.
