Cold and blustery weather returns Saturday as a cold front passes through the D.C. area. Hold on to your hat and brace for power outages, it’s going to be windy. Here’s what you need to know.
Secure any loose outdoor objects; tree limbs could also be blown down resulting in a few power outages. Increased fire danger is also expected and outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
The Friday start of 60-degree weather dipped by the afternoon and continued overnight. Another cold front will pass through the area Saturday morning, followed by strong, gusty winds again all afternoon.
Storm Team4 meteorologist Michelle Grossman said wind gusts at 50 mph are expected on Saturday with lows in the 40s.
A wind advisory remains in effect for most of the area from 12 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Expect wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph up to as high as 50 mph.
The NWS also says there is an increased fire danger on Saturday afternoon because of the gusty winds and low relative humidities. It says outdoor burning is strongly discouraged on Saturday.
“Another quick-moving cold front will pass through the area Saturday morning, followed by strong, gusty winds again all afternoon,” Storm Team4 meteorologist Matt Ritter said.
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The National Weather Service also advised caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle.
A strong cold front will cross the area during the late morning and early afternoon today. Be prepared for strong winds and changing conditions. The latest details can be found at https://t.co/5RyZgpeTAT. pic.twitter.com/3BlhWIYx20
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 19, 2022
Full wind restrictions were placed at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Friday morning and were lifted around 7:30 p.m., according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. The restrictions kick into effect when there are sustained winds of 50 mph for 10 minutes or more or if gusts are over 50 mph for more than 15 minutes.
When full wind restrictions are in place, only cars, pickups, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy tractor-trailers can cross the bridge. Large trucks with a weigh under 64,000 pounds end up sidelined.
Grossman said Sunday is expected to still be windy but to a lesser degree with highs in the low to mid 40s.
High pressure will build in for Sunday and get rid of the winds and bring abundant sunshine. The next chance for any substantial precipitation won’t be until the middle of next week.
Forecast
SATURDAY: Cold and blustery with strong gusty winds. Mix of clouds and sun.
Highs: mid to upper 40s.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear and cold. Less wind overnight. Wind is northwest 5 to 15 mph, becoming light. Lows: teens to low 20s.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny and not as windy. Chilly.
Highs: low to mid 40s.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Much warmer.
Highs: upper 50s to low 60s.
TUESDAY: Showers, breezy and mild. Wind 5 to 15 mph. Highs: upper 50s to low 60s.
