After enjoying some warm weather recently, the D.C. area is in for a chilly surprise. A strong cold front is on its way, bringing a quick drop in temperatures.
Thursday morning will start off warm but expect temperatures to plummet from the 60s to the 40s before you even finish your coffee. By afternoon, it will likely be in the 30s. According to meteorologist Eileen Whelan, the gusty northwesterly winds will contribute to this rapid cooling.
The morning commute may be wet, with rain expected. As the colder air settles in, there’s a possibility that the rain could briefly turn into wet snow in the afternoon.
“You’ll feel it right away when the cold front passes,” Whelan noted. She expects the winds to pick up, making it feel even chillier.
Roads shouldn’t face major issues because the temperatures are warm enough to prevent significant accumulation. However, you might see a light dusting of snow on grassy areas. Whelan estimates that the region could receive up to half an inch of rain.
As for the winds, gusts could reach 30 mph or more, with Reagan National Airport reporting gusts as high as 40 mph early Thursday. Fortunately, skies will clear up before evening, allowing for some sunshine before sunset.
Temperatures will drop below freezing overnight, possibly causing leftover moisture to refreeze and create slick spots for Friday morning’s commute.
As the week wraps up, the weather will calm down. Friday is expected to be partly cloudy and breezy, with highs back in the 50s. The weekend begins mild and dry on Saturday, but rain is likely on Sunday.
Interestingly, weather patterns have shifted in recent years. Historical data shows that Washington D.C. has experienced more extreme weather events, including unseasonably warm winters and intense cold snaps. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the northeastern U.S. saw an increase in extreme weather occurrences by nearly 40% over the last decade. This signifies a trend that could reshape how we prepare for seasonal changes.
In summary, keep an eye on the skies and prepare for a chilly change this Thursday. Enjoy the brief return of sunshine, but also stay safe as temperatures drop and the winds pick up.
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