'Dangerous' Sub-Zero Wind Chills Grip NoVA, DC

VIRGINIA — A cold weather advisory has been issued for Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, DC region, with wind chills between 0 degrees to 10 degrees below zero expected, according to the National Weather Service.

The advisory will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on Thursday for portions of Northern and Northwest Virginia, the District, and parts of Maryland, the forecasters say.

The frigid temperatures prompted the Fairfax County school district to start classes two hours late on Tuesday, while Loudoun County and Fauquier County school systems were closed.

“The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken,” according to the NWS. “Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.”

Scattered flurries are expected between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by scattered flurries with isolated snow showers, according to NWS. Expect the thermometer to reach about 21 degrees during the day, with a 20 percent chance of precipitation.

"This cold snap is coming at the climatological peak of winter when historical average temperatures hit their lowest values in many parts of the country,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty, who warned of the dangerous cold spell. "Since this is the heart of winter, record-low temperatures are near their lowest values as well. This may prevent widespread record-setting temperatures, but some record-low temperatures will likely be broken.”

The coldest temperatures are expected for Tuesday evening, with wind chills of 5 to 10 degrees below zero, NWS forecasts. Overnight wind chills for the rest of the week may be 0-5 degrees below zero, with daytime chills predicted to be in the low teens.

National Weather Services advises residents to take the following actions to protect themselves from the bitterly cold weather.

• Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
• Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
• Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.
• Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Here is the latest DC-Northern Virginia forecast from the National Weather Service.

• Tuesday Night: Isolated snow showers before midnight. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -1. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as -3. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
• Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 9. Light southeast wind.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. South wind 3 to 5 mph.
• Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 14.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.
• Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.
• Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44.
• Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Monday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 40%.