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The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington DC has issued a wind advisory for the DC area, including parts of Maryland, Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia, which is in effect until 6 PM EST this evening. Residents in these areas should prepare for west winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, according to the NWS forecast. Additionally, the cold wind chills are expected to induce conditions that could lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
Along with the windy forecast, scattered showers are anticipated to clear before 10 am, followed by a sharp temperature drop to around 33 degrees by the afternoon. The advisory warns that these gusty winds can lead to fallen tree limbs and a few power outages may result, making driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The winds have already started picking up speed, with a strong cold front moving across the area early this morning bringing much colder temperatures and the possibility of rapid temperature drop once the winds commence has been noted by the NWS.
Looking ahead, NWS forecast details provided indicate that after tonight's clear skies and low of 27 degrees, sunny conditions with highs creeping back up to the mid-30s and low 40s are expected through the weekend. The outlook remains mostly clear skies until the chance of showers emerges again on Sunday night into the early part of next week, the mercury should rise, with Tuesday's high potentially reaching up to 64 degrees amidst a backdrop of persistent clouds and looming showers.
The weather service has further issued a hazardous weather outlook for today and tonight, due to Gale Warnings in effect through 7 PM this evening related to these climatic changes, while no hazardous conditions are currently anticipated for Friday through Wednesday. "Spotter activation is not expected at this time, but any reports of wind speeds or damage are appreciated," the NWS advisory stated.
