Virginia is catching a short break from the bitter chill that gripped the state earlier this week — but the relief won’t last long. Another hard freeze is forecast to hit just in time for Thanksgiving, bringing back icy conditions across the region.
On Tuesday morning, millions across the Mid-Atlantic endured one of the coldest starts since last winter. Residents in northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. woke to frozen windshields, frosted lawns, and crisp air that turned every breath into mist.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Baltimore/Washington issued multiple freeze warnings across Maryland counties as temperatures dipped near freezing, marking the end of the growing season in several areas. Strong winds along Interstate 95 and the Potomac River made it feel even colder, while Gale Warnings were issued for the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac.
Virginia Gets Temporary Relief from Arctic Blast
By Tuesday afternoon, the brutal winds eased, and temperatures began to rebound slightly. Although the air remained brisk, calmer conditions brought some comfort to residents.
Wednesday promises a noticeable improvement. Skies will be mostly sunny, with highs around 58°F in Washington, D.C. and the mid-50s in suburban Maryland. Winds will taper off, making the day feel more like a typical November afternoon.
This milder pattern is expected to linger through the end of the week. Highs will hover in the mid-50s on Wednesday and Thursday, rise to the upper 50s on Friday, and reach a pleasant 60°F by Saturday, likely the week’s best day.
Cold Snap Returns for Thanksgiving
Despite the brief warmth, forecasters warn that this week’s hard freeze is only a preview of winter. Another cold front is expected to sweep through the region by Thanksgiving, bringing temperatures well below freezing.
Between now and November 26, highs in Richmond will stay between the upper 50s and low 60s, but by Thanksgiving Day, daytime highs will fall to 48°F, with overnight lows near 28°F. The chill is expected to persist through the weekend before temperatures turn milder again in early December.
Meteorologists caution that this upcoming front could bring more dramatic impacts, signaling the true arrival of winter across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic.
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