When will the DC area experience the coldest weather this weekend?

The most punishing cold is expected late Saturday night into Sunday, with wind chills potentially dropping below zero.

Will the snow and ice melt soon in the DC area?

Due to the prolonged cold, the accumulated snow and ice will not melt rapidly and may linger into February.

How cold is the Arctic blast expected to be in DC?

Temperatures will be significantly below normal, with highs struggling to escape the teens on Saturday, and wind chills possibly reaching minus-10 by Sunday morning.

Home / Weather / Arctic Blast To Hit DC: Record Cold Ahead

Arctic Blast To Hit DC: Record Cold Ahead

30 Jan

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Summary

Arctic air surge brings frigid weather to DC area this weekend.
Wind chills expected below zero Saturday night and Sunday.
Cold spell marks harshest stretch of winter, with no rapid thaw.

Arctic Blast To Hit DC: Record Cold Ahead

The Washington D.C. area is set to experience its most severe cold of the winter this weekend, with a powerful surge of Arctic air arriving Saturday. High temperatures may struggle to reach the teens, significantly below the normal average of 45 degrees. This cold snap is expected to be the harshest of the season, potentially setting new records for the coldest January 31st high temperature, which was previously 22 degrees in 1936.

Conditions will deteriorate Saturday night as a coastal storm intensifies offshore. The most extreme cold, with wind chills possibly dropping to minus-10, is anticipated from late Saturday night into Sunday. Strong northwest winds gusting up to 40 mph are forecast for Sunday, keeping wind chills in the single digits even in the afternoon. This prolonged period of freezing temperatures, with highs not surpassing freezing for potentially ten consecutive days, is among the longest streaks recorded since 1872.