Spring in Washington, D.C. is pulling a fast one again. Under clear skies and a crisp breeze Tuesday morning, temperatures dipped to around 48°F at Reagan National (KDCA), and forecasters say the real chill is still on the way. A Freeze Warning is in effect from midnight Wednesday, April 8, through 9 a.m., with some parts of the region expected to drop to about 31°F.
Freeze Warning And What It Means
The warning stretches across the District and many surrounding counties, flagging sub-freezing temperatures that could kill tender plants and damage any outdoor plumbing left exposed. Highs today will struggle into only the mid-50s, with a brisk northwest wind sending gusts near 25 to 30 mph. On the water, Small Craft Advisories are up for the tidal Potomac and nearby Chesapeake, so it is not a great day for a pleasure cruise. For official timing and the latest fine print, check the National Weather Service.
Quick Update From Yesterday
The chill and wind did not exactly sneak up on us. We flagged this same cool, blustery setup back on April 6, including the gusty riverfront conditions and boating advisories. For a refresher on how we got here, see winds whip Potomac from earlier this week.
Protect Plants And Pipes
Tonight is the night to baby both your garden and your plumbing. Bring in or cover tender plants and potted containers before temperatures tumble, and disconnect garden hoses so they do not freeze to the faucet. Drain and protect any exposed spigots, and add insulation where you can on outdoor plumbing. Indoors, open cabinet doors where pipes run along exterior walls so they can share in the room’s warmer air. If you are on shared meters or outdoor water services, keep an eye on any guidance from your local utility or the city.
What’s Next
The good news is that this cold snap is brief. Dry, sunny weather hangs on through midweek, and highs bounce back into the 60s on Thursday, then into the 70s by Friday and into the weekend. Winds should ease on Wednesday, and the steady warm-up is expected to wipe out any freeze concerns by Thursday.
