Washington, D.C. rolled out of bed Tuesday to postcard-blue skies and a whole lot of frost, with most spots in the city stuck in the mid-30s and even colder readings in outlying neighborhoods and suburbs. A Freeze Warning is in place until 10:00 a.m. EDT, and early commuters are running into patchy frost on cars, steps, and sidewalks. Gardeners and anyone with exposed outdoor plumbing are on notice to take quick, simple precautions this morning.
Freeze Warning And Morning Impacts
The National Weather Service warns that sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29°F are possible away from larger bodies of water, and that "frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing." Areas closer to the Potomac and other major waterways may stay a bit milder, while low-lying and inland locations will be the coldest through mid-morning.
Today’s Outlook
Sunshine should take over quickly after the early freeze, sending highs up to around 62°F with light southeast winds around 3-7 mph this afternoon. Frost is expected to melt off by mid-morning, leaving dry roads for most commutes, though cyclists and pedestrians will likely feel the chill lingering into the afternoon.
Midweek Warm-Up And Rain Chances
Temperatures rebound as the week rolls on, with highs reaching the low 70s on Wednesday and then climbing into the upper 70s and flirting with 80°F by Thursday and Friday. That warmer pattern also brings a better shot at showers and a few thunderstorms later in the week, according to the National Weather Service. Rain showers are most likely on Wednesday and then again late Friday into the weekend, so anyone planning outdoor events should keep an eye on updated forecasts.
Quick Tips
Bring potted plants inside, cover vulnerable garden beds, and disconnect garden hoses or insulate exposed faucets to cut down on freeze damage. If you had early-morning outdoor projects on the calendar, bump them to the afternoon and build in a little extra time to scrape frost from vehicles and clear slick walkways.
