Washington, DC – A dangerous Arctic blast is set to bring life-threatening cold and powerful winds to the DMV region beginning Friday, creating hazardous conditions that could linger through the weekend and into early next week. While snowfall totals will vary by location, the cold and wind alone pose a serious risk across Washington, northern Virginia, and much of Maryland.
According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts could exceed 50 mph at times from Friday into Sunday, driving wind chills well below zero across the region. Even in the urban core of Washington, DC, wind chills are expected to fall into the single digits and below zero, while western Maryland and higher elevations of Virginia could see values plunge to 20 to 30 below zero. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in minutes under these conditions.
Snow showers and squalls are possible as Arctic air pours in, especially Friday night into Saturday. While widespread heavy snow is not expected in the immediate DC metro, brief bursts of snow combined with strong winds could sharply reduce visibility and create sudden slick spots on roads, bridges, and overpasses. Farther west, near-blizzard conditions are possible in the Alleghenies, which could impact travel along corridors feeding into the region.
The extreme cold raises major concerns for infrastructure and daily life. Residents are urged to wrap exposed pipes, open cabinet doors, and allow faucets to drip to prevent frozen plumbing. Power outages are possible due to strong winds, making it critical to charge devices and have backup heat sources ready. Pets should be brought indoors, and outdoor exposure should be limited.
The bitter cold is expected to persist through the weekend, with only gradual improvement possible early next week. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued as conditions evolve, and officials urge residents to take this cold seriously and prepare now.
