D.C., Maryland and Virginia are just hours away from the start of meteorological winter, but the chilling temperatures associated with the holiday season are already here. Here’s what you need to know.

Black Friday’s clouds, breezes and snow flurries have given way to falling temperatures across the D.C. region, with the entire area expected to dip into the 20s before daybreak, according to WTOP Meteorologist Mike Stinneford.

“Saturday will be a breezy and cold day with highs struggling to get above 40 degrees,” Stinneford said.

The National Weather Service is also predicting dry and cold conditions for Saturday, with temperatures “falling well below average as a very cold airmass moves over the region.”

Colder tonight with low temperatures ranging from the mid teens at higher elevations to the mid 20s at lower elevations. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/oDdavlxnyL

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 30, 2024

These freezing and near-freezing temperatures have prompted hypothermia alerts across the area. In the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser activated D.C.’s hypothermia alert beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, citing temperatures that will feel like 30 degrees due to the wind chill.

“These temperatures significantly increase your risk for hypothermia and frostbite,” AlertDC said.

Those who have symptoms of hypothermia — shivering, memory loss, confusion, sleepiness, stiff muscles — should call 911. People experiencing homelessness in the District can call 311 for information on sheltering from the cold.

Other jurisdictions may have similar hypothermia alerts activating when temperatures and wind chills fall below freezing, most of which may be sticking around through the beginning of the workweek.

Heads up, DC! A hypothermia alert has been issued. Wear layers to prevent hypothermia . Warning signs include shivering, memory loss, confusion, sleepiness & stiff muscles.

Call 911 if you have these symptoms

Call 311 for shelter

Learn more: https://t.co/N884UzH2N8 pic.twitter.com/ekZDyg48y4

— DC Homeland Security & Emergency Management (@DC_HSEMA) November 21, 2024

Sunday’s start to meteorological winter will bring highs in the low to mid-40s for much of the area, but temperatures are likely to feel colder. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will trend colder too, with Stinneford forecasting highs lingering around 10 degrees below average throughout the week.

“Dry and cold weather will continue Monday and Tuesday,” Stinneford said. “We will see a good deal of cloud cover on Wednesday, with a risk of rain or snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning.”

Current weather:

Forecast:

Small Business Saturday will be cold and blustery, however, it should put everyone in the holiday spirt to support your locally owned businesses. Highs will range from the upper 30s in the mountains to middle 40s downtown, along with feels like readings in the 20s and 30s.

Winds: Light and variable

Clouds will be on the increase but temperatures likely still make it down to freezing in the city and low 20s outside of the Capital Beltway.

Partly sunny, few snow showers

Winds:  Northwest 10-20 mph

A mix of sun and clouds won’t do much to ease the chill on the first day of December. A few snow showers are possible with a weak disturbance moving through. No accumulation is expected.

Sunny skies and chilly temperatures near 40 are just a precursor for the upcoming work and school week. Highs Tuesday and Wednesday may struggle to reach 40 inside the Capital Beltway. 

Winds: Northwest 10-20 mph

Mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions continue with below-average temperatures in the 40s and wind chills in the 30s.

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