So, you’re staring out the window in Reston, maybe clutching a mug of something caffeinated, wondering if that layer of frost on the windshield is going to be the biggest problem of your Tuesday. Honestly, if you were out at 7am today, you already know the deal: it’s cold. Like, properly biting.
At exactly 7:16 AM, the sensors over in Reston clocked the air temperature at 29°F. But we all know the thermometer is a bit of a liar this time of year. With the wind chill, it actually feels like 25°F. That’s the kind of morning where you regret choosing the "fashionable" coat over the heavy-duty parka.
The sky is currently clear, which is why it felt so crisp during that early dog walk or the dash to the Silver Line. But don't let those clear skies trick you into thinking it's going to be a standard, boring winter day. Things are shifting, and they're shifting fast.
Why the Reston Morning Chill is Just the Beginning
If you’re looking at that 29-degree start and thinking, "Okay, typical January," you’ve gotta look at the rest of the day. We are in for a weird temperature swing. While the morning started freezing, we are actually on a trajectory to hit a high of 53°F.
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That’s a 24-degree jump.
Basically, you’re going to be freezing during your 7am commute and potentially shedding layers by the time you head out for a late lunch at Reston Town Center. It’s the classic Mid-Atlantic "what season is it?" wardrobe struggle.
The Nitty-Gritty Details for Your Commute
Here is exactly what’s happening in the atmosphere right now:
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- Wind: Moving at a gentle 4 mph from the southwest. It’s not a gale, but at 29 degrees, any movement of air feels like a personal insult to your face.
- Humidity: Sitting high at 74%. This is why the air feels "heavy" and that cold seems to seep right through your jeans.
- Visibility: It's clear out there for now. No fog issues or immediate precipitation to worry about while you're navigating the Dulles Toll Road.
The Afternoon Shift: Clouds and Wind
While 7am was clear, the forecast for the rest of Tuesday, January 13, shows clouds moving in quickly. We’re looking at a cloudy afternoon and evening.
The wind is also going to pick up. By later today, those gentle 4 mph breezes from the southwest will transform into a steadier 11 mph wind coming from the south. This southerly flow is actually what’s helping push that high temperature up to 53°F, but it brings the clouds along for the ride.
Is it going to rain? The chance is low—only about 10%—but keep an eye out for a stray sprinkle. It’s more of a "gray and gloomy" vibe than a "soaking wet" one.
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Reston Weather Context: Is 29°F Normal?
If you feel like you’re freezing more than usual, you’re actually right on the money for a typical Northern Virginia winter. Historically, Reston averages a low of about 25°F to 28°F in mid-January. We’re sitting right in that pocket.
However, hitting 53°F later today is actually quite a bit warmer than the typical January high of 40°F. We’re getting a little bit of a "warm" break, if you can call 50 degrees warm.
Actionable Advice for Reston Residents Today
- The Layer Strategy: You absolutely need a heavy outer shell right now, but make sure you have something lighter underneath. That 53-degree peak this afternoon will make a heavy wool coat feel suffocating.
- Tire Pressure Check: Drastic temperature swings like this (from 29 to 53 and back down) are notorious for triggering that annoying "low tire pressure" light in your car. Give them a quick glance before you hop on the Parkway.
- Evening Prep: The temperature will drop back down to 29°F tonight. If you have sensitive plants that you brought out during a recent warm spell, get them back inside. It’s going to be another freezing night under cloudy skies.
Stay warm out there, Reston. Enjoy the afternoon "heatwave" while it lasts, because the 29-degree reality is waiting for us again as soon as the sun goes down.