Howling Gale Winds Slam DC and Maryland as Temperatures Plunge Overnight
If you stepped outside Monday evening thinking the mild daytime weather would stick around, chances are you were quickly proven wrong. Across the D.C. region and much of Maryland, conditions took a sharp turn as powerful gale-force winds roared in and temperatures dropped fast. What started as a relatively comfortable day ended with blustery, biting cold that caught many people off guard.
Strong northwest winds were already being felt by late afternoon, and by the evening commute, gusts were clocked between 40 and 50 miles per hour in many areas. In some locations, especially higher elevations and open bridges, the wind felt even stronger. A wind advisory was put in place and was expected to last through the night into early Tuesday, as the atmosphere stayed locked in a windy pattern.
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The biggest shock wasn’t just the wind itself, but how quickly the temperature changed. Earlier in the day, readings were close to 60 degrees. By evening, thermometers were sliding into the 30s, and once the wind was factored in, it felt much colder. Wind chills were pushed down into the 20s, making it feel more like the heart of winter than the end of December.
Drivers were urged to stay alert, especially during the evening hours. With such strong gusts, high-profile vehicles were at greater risk of being pushed around, and crossing exposed bridges required extra caution. Loose objects, downed branches, and even fallen trees were reported in some areas, raising concerns about travel delays and scattered power outages. Residents were advised to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and remain aware of changing road conditions.
The windy pattern wasn’t expected to disappear overnight. Tuesday was forecast to stay cold and blustery, with temperatures struggling to climb into the mid to upper 30s. Even during the afternoon, wind chills were predicted to remain in the teens and 20s. While the strongest gusts were expected to slowly ease as the day went on, the cold air behind the system was set to settle in.
The good news is that calmer weather is on the horizon. By Tuesday evening, winds were expected to finally begin to relax, even though colder air would continue to move in. Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, conditions were forecast to be quieter overall, with fewer weather-related disruptions expected.
In short, this sudden blast of wind and cold served as a clear reminder that winter has fully arrived. Warm coats, gloves, and a bit of extra caution were strongly recommended as the region adjusted to this sharp seasonal shift.
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