Washington, D.C., is experiencing a significant cold snap just days before President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration, with temperatures plunging well below the historical average for this time of year.
Why It Matters
The unseasonably cold temperatures could impact preparations for inauguration events and create hazardous commuting conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Special Weather Statement warning of potentially hazardous road conditions Thursday evening due to possible snow accumulation of up to half-an-inch, urging commuters to allow extra travel time.
What To Know
On Thursday, the nation's capital recorded an average temperature of 27 degrees Fahrenheit, a stark 10.1 degrees below the five-year historical average of 37.1 degrees. This 27.22 percent deviation marks the second-coldest January 16 in the past five years, trailing only 2024's record low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scattered snow showers are expected after 10 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday with a high near 36 degrees Fahrenheit and a 30 percent chance of precipitation. Moving into the night, the D.C. area will experience a low of about 26 degrees Fahrenheit.
Trump's Inauguration To Be Coldest Since Reagan's
Trump's Inauguration Day on January 20 is expected to be the coldest swearing-in of a president since former President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985.
On January 20, the temperature in Washington, D.C., will be roughly 21 degrees Fahrenheit but feel like 11 degrees around noon, when the inauguration proceedings begin, according to WJLA. Temperatures will increase later in the afternoon to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will feel like 14 degrees.
It was just 7 degrees Fahrenheit during Reagan's second Inauguration, according to NWS. His swearing-in was the coldest presidential inauguration since the government officially started recording weather records.
3-Day Forecast
Looking ahead, D.C. residents can expect a high of nearly 41 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of about 30 degrees on Friday. It will be sunny during the day with increasing clouds at night. There will be a chance of snow and rain before 10 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday with more rain to follow. Temperatures will be between 30 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service (NWS) said in its Thursday statement about its predicted possible hazardous commuting conditions: "If this threat does materialize during the evening rush-hour, many roads could quickly turn icy. This could lead to dangerous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays."
What's Next
With temperatures expected to rise slightly over the next two days, event planners may find some relief from the harsh conditions. However, the chance of mixed precipitation on Saturday could still present logistic hurdles.
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