Skip to main content

Breezy, cold and chilly forecast for region prompts hypothermia alert in DC

D.C., Maryland and Virginia are just hours away from the start of meteorological winter, but the chilling temperatures associated with the holiday season are already here. Here’s what you need to know. Black Friday’s clouds, breezes and snow flurries have given way to falling temperatures across the D.C. region, with the entire area expected to dip into the 20s before daybreak, according to WTOP Meteorologist Mike Stinneford. “Saturday will be a breezy and cold day with highs struggling to get above 40 degrees,” Stinneford said. The National Weather Service is also predicting dry and cold conditions for Saturday, with temperatures “falling well below average as a very cold airmass moves over the region.”

X

To view this content from @NWS_BaltWash on X, click here.

These freezing and near-freezing temperatures have prompted hypothermia alerts across the area. In the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser activated D.C.’s hypothermia alert beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, citing temperatures that will feel like 30 degrees due to the wind chill. “These temperatures significantly increase your risk for hypothermia and frostbite,” AlertDC said. Those who have symptoms of hypothermia — shivering, memory loss, confusion, sleepiness, stiff muscles — should call 911. People experiencing homelessness in the District can call 311 for information on sheltering from the cold.



Other jurisdictions may have similar hypothermia alerts activating when temperatures and wind chills fall below freezing, most of which may be sticking around through the beginning of the workweek.

X

To view this content from @DC_HSEMA on X, click here.

Sunday’s start to meteorological winter will bring highs in the low to mid-40s for much of the area, but temperatures are likely to feel colder. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will trend colder too, with Stinneford forecasting highs lingering around 10 degrees below average throughout the week. “Dry and cold weather will continue Monday and Tuesday,” Stinneford said. “We will see a good deal of cloud cover on Wednesday, with a risk of rain or snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning.”

Current weather:

Forecast:

SATURDAY:
Sunny and breezy
Highs: 35-40
Wind Chill: 20s and 30s
Winds: West 10-20 mph
Small Business Saturday will be cold and blustery, however, it should put everyone in the holiday spirt to support your locally owned businesses. Highs will range from the upper 30s in the mountains to middle 40s downtown, along with feels like readings in the 20s and 30s.
SATURDAY NIGHT:
Increasing clouds
Lows: 20-30
Wind Chill: Low 20s
Winds: Light and variable
Clouds will be on the increase but temperatures likely still make it down to freezing in the city and low 20s outside of the Capital Beltway.
SUNDAY:
Partly sunny, few snow showers
Highs: 40-45
Winds:  Northwest 10-20 mph
A mix of sun and clouds won’t do much to ease the chill on the first day of December. A few snow showers are possible with a weak disturbance moving through. No accumulation is expected.
MONDAY:
Mostly sunny, breezy
Highs: 38-42
Wind Chill: 30s
Winds: West 10-20 mph
Sunny skies and chilly temperatures near 40 are just a precursor for the upcoming work and school week. Highs Tuesday and Wednesday may struggle to reach 40 inside the Capital Beltway. 
TUESDAY:
Mostly sunny, breezy
Highs: 40-45
Wind Chill: 30s
Winds: Northwest 10-20 mph
Mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions continue with below-average temperatures in the 40s and wind chills in the 30s.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Hot, humid week ahead for DC area with severe storm risk

A dangerous heat wave will grip the D.C. area through Thursday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values between 100 and 105. Hot and humid conditions are expected through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, which said to expect daily thunderstorm chances and a risk of severe thunderstorms. 7News Meteorologist Eileen Whelan told WTOP that most of Tuesday will stay dry, but a few late-day thunderstorms are possible, especially north and east of D.C. as storms drift south from Pennsylvania. Any storm could produce damaging wind gusts and hail, but Whelan reiterated "storm chances are low" on Tuesday. Due to a lack of air conditioning, Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland, closed early at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Prince George's County Public Schools said in a social media post.
Read Next Story