So, if you’re planning to step out in the District this Friday, January 16, 2026, I really hope you have a heavy coat. Honestly. We’ve had some weirdly "okay" days lately, but the honeymoon is over. This isn't just a standard winter chill; we are looking at a legit Arctic punch that’s going to make the morning commute feel like a survival mission.
By Friday, the weather for Washington DC on friday is going to be defined by one thing: cold. Not just "oh, it’s January" cold, but the kind of cold that bites.
We are tracking a massive surge of polar air that's currently spilling down from the Midwest and Great Lakes. This isn't just one wave. It’s the second of two rounds of Arctic air, and this one is arguably the nastier of the pair. While the earlier part of the week teased us with some 50s, that’s ancient history now.
The Numbers That Matter
Expect a high temperature that barely manages to scrape 37°F.
And that's the "warm" part of the day.
The low? We’re looking at 23°F inside the city. If you’re out in the suburbs—say, Sterling or Rockville—expect those numbers to dip even lower into the teens. It’s going to be a deep freeze.
What Most People Get Wrong About Weather for Washington DC on Friday
Most people see "sunny" or "partly cloudy" on their app and think they can get away with a light puffer. Don't do that. The wind is the real story here. We’re expecting southwest winds around 8 to 10 mph, but the gusts are what get you. When you factor in the wind chill, it's going to feel significantly colder than what the thermometer says.
Think single digits or low teens for the "feels like" temperature during your morning coffee run.
Is it going to snow? Probably not in a way that matters for your car. The chance of precipitation is sitting at a measly 10%. You might see a stray flake or two—what the Capital Weather Gang often calls a "conversational event"—but don't expect to go sledding at the National Mall. The air is basically too dry for anything substantial to stick.
A Quick Breakdown of Your Friday
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Frigid. The sun will be out, but it's purely decorative. It won't provide any actual warmth. If you're waiting for the Metro or a bus, cover your ears.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): This is when we hit that "peak" of 37 degrees. It’ll be mostly cloudy, which actually makes it feel gloomier and colder than a clear sky would.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Temperatures will crash fast. If you have dinner plans at the Wharf or in Adams Morgan, wear the thermal layers. By the time you head home, we’ll be back in the mid-20s.
Why This Arctic Blast is Different
This isn't just a D.C. problem. Ryan Shoptaugh and other regional meteorologists have been tracking this system as it reinforces winter's grip across the entire East Coast. The reason it feels so jarring is the contrast. We’ve spent parts of this month dealing with a lingering drought and unseasonably mild air. Going from the 50s to a hard freeze in 48 hours is a shock to the system—and your pipes.
If you have outdoor pets or plants that somehow survived the early winter, bring them in.
📖 Related: Converting 10 C to F: Why This Specific Temperature Is More Important Than You Think
Also, keep an eye on Saturday. While Friday is dry and bitter, there’s a slightly higher chance of snow showers moving in late Saturday night. Friday is essentially the "prep day" for a very cold holiday weekend.
Actionable Advice for Friday
- Layer up: This isn't the day for fashion. Wear a base layer.
- Check your tires: Drastic temperature drops like this usually lead to a "Low Tire Pressure" light on your dashboard because air density changes.
- Hydrate: Weirdly, we forget to drink water when it’s freezing, but the air is going to be incredibly dry (humidity is around 33%).
- Watch the wind: If you’re walking near the tall buildings in Rosslyn or downtown, the wind tunnels will be brutal.
Basically, Friday is a day for staying inside if you can. If you can’t, make sure your car has an ice scraper and your gloves are actually in your coat pocket and not on the kitchen table. It’s going to be a long, cold day in the capital.