The National Weather Service (NWS) in Washington D.C. reports an overcast day with a current temperature sitting at a chilly 32°F and humidity at 73%. The gentle Southern breeze at 5 mph provides little comfort, with the wind chill plunging to 27°F. Visibility extends to a clear 10 miles, under the heavy sky, but change is looming as the barometer reads 30.19 in (1022.3 mb).
Residents in the D.C. area should to brace for a winter onslaught as a Major Winter Storm is expected to hit this weekend, with the NWS issuing a Winter Storm Watch from tomorrow evening through Monday morning. Forecasts predict that today will see partly sunny skies, with temperatures reaching up to 43 degrees, before plummeting by nightfall to a harsh low around 11 degrees, intensifying the wind chill to as low as -3 degrees. Northerly winds will also pick up, potentially gusting as high as 23 mph.
The threat level escalates over the weekend, as the Winter Storm Watch anticipates heavy snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain. Accumulations of 5 to over 10 inches of snow, and possible ice, paint a worrisome prediction for the area. "Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice," the NWS cautions, "Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute." Visibility is also to be compromised, with situations of one-quarter mile or less possible at times during the storm. Further complicating conditions, a prolonged period of wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely to persist through the middle of next week.
The NWS has also broadcasted a Cold Weather Advisory, alerting the public to the imminent arrival of brutally cold wind chills, potentially dropping to 10 below zero, heightening the risk of hypothermia. These conditions demand residents to take necessary preventive measures. "Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves," warns the NWS, echoing a common refrain for those preparing to face the numbing cold.
