Prolonged Arctic Cold Locks Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia Into One of the Longest Freezing Streaks in Decades
UNITED STATES — A brutal stretch of winter cold continues across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. region, with another frigid night unfolding as temperatures fall into the single digits and low teens and wind chills drop below 0°F in many locations.
Cold Weather Advisories remain in effect tonight as Arctic air refuses to loosen its grip. According to National Weather Service data, many areas are now experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted freezing stretches in decades, with some locations recording nine straight days — more than 216 consecutive hours — at or below 32°F.
Sub-Zero Wind Chills Expected Again Tonight
Forecast temperature maps show widespread lows ranging from 4°F to 15°F, with the coldest readings concentrated across western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Communities such as Oakland, Cumberland, Romney, Petersburg, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Winchester, and Luray are expected to remain in the single digits overnight. Meanwhile, larger population centers including Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Frederick, Leesburg, and Westminster are forecast to bottom out in the low teens.
Persistent winds will make conditions feel even colder, with wind chill values falling below zero in multiple areas, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Nine-Day Freeze Marks a Rare Weather Event
As of 8 p.m. on February 1, official weather observations confirm that many major monitoring sites have not recorded a temperature above freezing since January 23.
Several airports and climate stations across the region have now exceeded nine consecutive days without reaching 33°F, including:
- Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 216 hours
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 217 hours
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) – 217 hours
- Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE) – 220 hours
- Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) – 219 hours
- Winchester Regional Airport (OKV) – 219 hours
Meteorologists say sustained cold spells of this length are uncommon for the Mid-Atlantic and reflect the strength and persistence of the Arctic air mass.
Cold Weather Advisories Continue
Weather officials continue to urge residents to take precautions as the prolonged cold increases risks for people, pets, and infrastructure.
Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers, protect exposed skin, bring pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Drivers are also warned about refreezing on roadways, particularly on bridges and untreated surfaces.
Slow Warm-Up Expected Later This Week
While the cold has dominated the region for more than a week, forecasters say temperatures may begin to moderate gradually early in the workweek. However, readings are still expected to remain below seasonal averages for several days.
Until then, much of the Mid-Atlantic remains locked in a historic winter freeze, with tonight adding yet another frigid chapter to an already remarkable cold streak.
Have temperatures stayed below freezing where you live? Share your local conditions with WaldronNews.com and stay with us for continuing weather coverage.