‘Whipping winds and tumbling temperatures’ grip DC area Thursday

High winds and low temperatures continue to grip the D.C. area on Thursday and the chilly weather is sticking around for the next couple of days. Here’s what you need to know.

Gusts could reach up to 55 mph on Thursday. A wind advisory was in effect across the D.C. region, with the possibility of broken tree limbs and power outages, according to the National Weather Service.

“Cold and windy but at least plenty of sunshine for the afternoon,” said 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin. “Temperatures will fall through the 30s with wind gust upward of 40 mph.”

The winds were carried in by a cold front passing through — which had also brought rain and flurries to some parts of the region earlier in the day.

“It’s all about the whipping winds and tumbling temperatures,” said 7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.

Temperatures — already below average — dropped even lower thanks to the cold front.

Highs are in the 40s on Thursday but feels-like temperatures are in the 20s in the District and reach the teens further out west.

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The National Weather Service warned that high winds could down tree branches or knock out power. Anything outside that could be blown around should be pinned down or brought indoors.

Regions far west of D.C. in the mountains are under a blizzard warning, with between 3 and 7 inches of snowfall and wind gusts up to 60 mph expected, according to the weather service.

D.C. activated the season’s first Cold Weather Emergency alert on Thursday afternoon as overnight temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s with a wind chill of 14 degrees. Residents are encouraged to limit their time outdoors and stay vigilant to help people experiencing homelessness.

Under a Cold Weather Emergency, the District provides services to support and protect residents from life-threatening illness and injuries associated with severe cold weather. Transportation and shelters around the city are available for unsheltered residents and can be located on the D.C. government website.

More cold to come?

The high winds are expected to ease Thursday evening. But the region isn’t ditching the bitter cold just yet.

Friday will be even colder, according to the forecast.

Temperatures will be in the 20s on Friday morning. Highs will be in the mid-30s and the wind chill will be in the 20s at 30 mph.

Those below-average temperatures will continue Saturday before milder air moves into the region on Sunday, Rudin said. Highs will top out at 60 degrees. Those temperatures are expected to stick around to start the workweek.

7News First Alert Forecast

THURSDAY:
WIND ALERT
Early morning rain/snow showers will turn to partly sunny in the afternoon, windy all day
Highs: 40s (predawn)
Temperatures: 40s to 30s
Wind Chills: 20s (teens west)
Winds: West 10-20, Gusts to 40+ mph

FRIDAY:
COLD ALERT
Mostly sunny, breezy
Highs: 35-40
Winds: Northwest 10-20, Gusts up to 30 mph
Even colder weather arrives to round out the work and school week. Highs may struggle to reach 40 degrees for many neighborhoods. Plan for morning wind chills in the teens and afternoon feels-like temperatures in the 20s with a blustery northwest wind.

SATURDAY:
Partly sunny
Highs: 40-45
Winds: Southwest 10-15 mph
Below average temperatures will stick around Saturday under partly cloudy skies.

SUNDAY:
Partly sunny
Highs: 55-60
Winds: South 5-10 mph
Milder air finally arrives Sunday with highs well into the 50s for most neighborhoods. Mild temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s return Monday and Tuesday.