Temperatures to drop as howling wind moves through DC area

Make sure you bundle up when you walk out the door Monday. It may start out mild, but temperatures are expected to drop as the wind picks up throughout the day.

“Don’t be fooled by temperatures in the 50s because as we get later into the day the wind is going to howl and the temperatures will fall,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan said.

A wind advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. Monday until 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Wind gusts will be between 40 and 50 mph through the afternoon and evening hours, with some of the highest gusts arriving around the evening rush at about 5 p.m.

“If you’re going to be out this evening, temperatures will be in the 30s and wind chills will be in the 20s,” Whelan said.

She said to expect a big difference between the near-60-degree temperatures the D.C. area could see on Monday morning and what will happen in the evening.

“Wind chills will be in the 20s for your Monday evening plans and with a prolonged strong wind be prepared for power outages, maybe downed trees, so this could impact travel,” said Whelan.

She said to be careful if you’re driving because it could impact road travel in the area.

“Firm grip on the steering wheel,” Whelan said. “Some of those bridges may have some wind warnings or wind restrictions so be mindful of that, especially if you have plans to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.”

The windy conditions are expected to continue Tuesday with wind settling out Tuesday evening but the temperatures are expected to drop.

“The wind will ease finally by tomorrow evening but even colder air will be settling in tomorrow so get the winter coats ready,” Whelan said.

However, there is some good news for the New Year’s holiday.

“Fortunately, weather looks to be a little bit quieter as we head into our New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day locally,” Whelan said.

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FORECAST

MONDAY:
Morning clouds, rain chance
PM sun & wind, falling temps
Temps: 50s to 40s
Winds: West 15-25 mph
Gusts: 35-50 mph

MONDAY NIGHT:
Scattered clouds
Lows: 25-30
Winds: West 15-25 mph
Gusts: 30-40 mph

TUESDAY:
Partly sunny, breezy
Highs: 35-40
Wind Chill: 10s & 20s
Winds: Northwest 15-25 mph
Gusts: 35-40 mph

WEDNESDAY:
Partly cloudy
Highs: 40-42
Winds: West 10-20 mph
Temperatures remain below-average int he 40s but expect more sunshine and lighter winds. For late-night New Year’s Eve plans, expect it to be cold with near freezing temperatures.

THURSDAY:
Mostly cloudy
Highs: 38-41
Winds: West 10-20 mph
For the first day of the new year, temperatures start off chilly near 40 degrees under mostly cloudy skies.