Arctic Blast and Treacherous Ice: D.C. Frozen Over Following Massive Weekend Storm

Frigid Temperatures and Dangerous Wind Chills Grip the District

Washington D.C. remains under the firm grip of a punishing Arctic air mass this Monday, January 26, 2026. Following a significant winter storm over the weekend that blanketed the region in a hazardous mix of snow and ice, the capital is now facing a period of dangerously low temperatures. Meteorological data indicates that while the active precipitation has largely moved out, the lingering snowpack and plummeting temperatures have created a high-risk environment for residents and commuters alike.

Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Outlook

Today’s weather is characterized by a steady decline in temperatures and a biting northwest wind. Here is the breakdown for the day:

• Morning: The day started with temperatures near 15°F under overcast skies. Despite the lack of new snowfall, the morning commute was largely non-existent as many major thoroughfares remained ice-packed and treacherous.
• Afternoon: High temperatures are expected to peak at only 24°F to 25°F. With sustained winds from the northwest, it will feel significantly colder, with wind chill values struggling to climb out of the teens. Skies will remain mostly cloudy throughout the midday hours.
• Evening: Temperatures will drop back into the mid-to-high teens by 9:00 PM. As the cloud cover begins to break, the potential for record-breaking cold increases, with actual temperatures expected to hit the low single digits overnight.

Major Disruptions and Federal Closures

Due to the severity of the weekend storm and the current freeze, federal offices in the D.C. area are closed today, and local school districts have canceled all classes. The "cement-like" combination of snow and ice from Sunday has frozen solid, making secondary roads nearly impassable for those without four-wheel drive. Regional airports, including Reagan National and Dulles, continue to report significant flight cancellations as crews struggle to de-ice runways in the extreme cold.

Official Warnings and Safety Advisories

The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory effective from Monday evening through Wednesday morning. Forecasters warn of wind chill values ranging between 0°F and -10°F, which poses a significant risk of hypothermia for anyone outdoors without proper protection. Additionally, a Gale Warning is in effect for the tidal Potomac and Chesapeake Bay, with northwest wind gusts reaching up to 40 knots. Residents are urged to limit their time outdoors, check on vulnerable neighbors, and ensure pets are brought inside as the District braces for one of its coldest weeks in recent memory.