Honestly, if you’re planning to be out and about in the District this coming Tuesday, January 20, you’re going to want to dig out that heavy parka you usually save for ski trips. We’ve been hearing a lot about this "arctic front" lately, and it looks like Tuesday is exactly when the worst of it is going to park itself right over the Potomac.
It's basically going to be a shock to the system. After some back-and-forth with rain and a few conversational snowflakes over the weekend, the atmosphere is finally deciding to go full winter.
The Brutal Numbers
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the Washington DC weather for Tuesday. According to the latest data from Google Weather and the National Weather Service, we are looking at a high temperature that will struggle to even reach 29°F.
That's the high. Most of the day will likely feel significantly colder.
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The low is expected to bottom out at a bone-chilling 18°F. When you factor in the wind—which is slated to come out of the west at about 10 mph—the wind chill is the real story here. You’ve probably heard meteorologists like the folks at Capital Weather Gang talking about "dangerous" cold, and they aren't kidding. We are looking at morning wind chills that could easily dip into the single digits.
If you're waiting for a bus or walking from the Metro, that 10 mph breeze is going to make it feel like your face is being sandboxed by ice cubes.
Why It’s So Dry
One thing people always get wrong about these deep freezes in DC is expecting a massive snowstorm to go along with it. Not this time. Tuesday is actually going to be quite sunny.
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The humidity is hovering around a very low 27%. Basically, the air is so cold and dry that there’s zero chance of precipitation. Both day and night forecasts show a 0% chance of snow.
It’s that classic "bluebird day" weather where the sky is a stunning, clear blue, but it's so cold you can’t actually enjoy being outside for more than five minutes. It’s a bit of a tease, really.
Comparing to the "Normal" January
Is this normal? Kinda, but also not really.
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The average high for DC in late January usually sits around 44°F or 45°F. Being stuck at 29°F means we are nearly 15 degrees below the typical standard. This is the third wave of a polar plunge that’s been working its way across the country, and for Washingtonians, this might be the most severe peak of the cycle so far in 2026.
The sun will set at approximately 5:16 PM, and once that light disappears, the temperature is going to drop like a rock. If you have plans at the Wharf or anywhere near the water, that breeze off the river is going to make that 18-degree low feel much more aggressive.
Survival Tactics for Tuesday
Since we aren't dealing with snow, the city isn't going to shut down, which means most of us still have to go to work or school.
- Cover the extremities. This is "exposed skin" weather. If you're walking the monuments or even just moving between buildings, gloves and a scarf aren't optional extras.
- Hydrate your skin. With 27% humidity, the air is basically a giant sponge. You’ll feel it in your hands and face almost immediately.
- Check the pipes. If you live in one of those older rowhouses with questionable insulation, it might be worth keeping a slow drip in your faucets overnight Monday into Tuesday.
- Pet safety. If it’s too cold for you, it’s definitely too cold for the dog. Short walks only.
Stay warm out there. This freeze won't last forever—we’re looking at a rebound back into the 40s by Wednesday and Thursday—but Tuesday is definitely the day to hunker down if you can.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your exterior faucets and ensure they are covered or drained before Monday night, as the 18°F low is well within the burst-pipe danger zone. Prepare a heavy layer system for your Tuesday morning commute, prioritizing wind-resistant outer shells to combat the 10 mph western gusts.