Veterans Day Cold Snap Brings Blustery Winds to DC Region

The D.C. region experienced a cold snap and blustery winds on Veterans Day, with temperatures struggling to reach the mid to upper 40s. However, the wind chill made it feel considerably colder. Strong northwest winds, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph, influenced weather conditions throughout the day.
Weather Conditions on Veterans Day
On this chilly Tuesday, temperatures fell around 12 degrees below the seasonal average. According to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin, the wind chill kept temperatures in the 30s. A ground stop was implemented at Dulles International Airport due to these severe wind conditions, causing delays of up to 77 minutes for departing flights.
Cold Alert in Effect
In response to the biting cold, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a cold alert. This warning remains active until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The alert is triggered when temperatures feel like 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to visit cold.dc.gov or call the city’s shelter hotline at 202-399-7093.
- Residents should check on vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those with disabilities.
Upcoming Weather Forecast
Wednesday is anticipated to bring a change, with high temperatures around 60 degrees and gusty southwest winds. The weather will shift further on Thursday, featuring mostly sunny skies with breezy conditions as another cold front passes through.
Detailed Daily Forecast
| Day | Conditions | Highs (°F) | Winds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Partly cloudy, windy | 58-63 | Southwest 10-20 mph, gusts to 35 mph |
| Thursday | Mostly sunny, breezy | 57-62 | Northwest 5-15 mph, gusts to 25 mph |
| Friday | Mostly sunny | 58-63 | Northwest 5-10 mph |
The weekend is expected to bring even warmer temperatures, with some neighborhoods possibly reaching up to 70 degrees. While the cold snap was significant, the forecast promises a welcoming shift back to milder weather soon.




