After a short break from winter chills, arctic air and frigid winds are rushing back into the Washington, D.C., area Friday. Watch out for icy spots and slick roads later in the day, Storm Team4 says.
We hope you brought your winter coat to work or school: After some areas hit 61° Friday morning, temperatures are in the process of plummeting about 30° throughout the day, as a cold front with blustery winds takes hold.
A winter storm bearing down on millions of people won’t significantly impact most of the D.C. area. A winter weather advisory for freezing rain in Frederick County, Maryland, was canceled early, but it remains for areas further into western Maryland. Here’s a full list of weather alerts.
We do have a 100% chance of rain in the D.C. area. Rain is continuing past lunchtime in some spots and could linger until around sunset at 5:33 p.m. Some sleet, snow or wintry mix are possible in those final hours due to falling temperatures.
Most areas are expected to drop below freezing by 7 or 8 p.m. As temperatures drop into the 20s Friday night, expect a rapid refreeze of rain runoff and puddles.
If you must travel late Friday or early Saturday, use extreme caution. Anything that looks wet could be a sheet of slick ice.
Weather
Latest weather forecast, live radar and weather maps for Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia
Wind chills will be around 10° on Saturday morning and will stay near 20° in the afternoon. Highs will stay below freezing for most of the area, but at least the sun will be shining.
Sunday will remain sunny and chilly, but without the gusty wind. Highs in the mid- to upper 30s mean it won’t be a bad day to bundle up and go for a winter walk.
Next week’s weather is looking easy, with highs between 48° and 52° from Monday to Saturday.