Washington, D.C. Forecast to Reach 63°F on Winter’s Final Day, Could Mark Warmest Temperature of the Entire Season
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nation’s capital could close out climatological winter with its warmest temperature of the season, as Saturday’s forecast calls for a high near 63°F.
If that number verifies, it would tie the warmest day of the past three months — January 7 — and mark a notable late-season warm-up after a relatively cool winter.
Saturday’s Highs: Inland Warmer, Bay Cooler
The temperature forecast map shows a broad area of low 60s stretching across much of northern Virginia and western Maryland, while communities closer to the Chesapeake Bay remain noticeably cooler.
Projected highs include:
- Washington, D.C.: 62–63°F
- Fairfax, Manassas, Ashburn, Woodbridge: 63°F
- Frederick, MD: 61°F
- Columbia, MD: 60°F
- Baltimore: 57°F
- Annapolis: 52°F
- Prince Frederick: 58°F
- Cambridge, MD: 56°F
Farther west into Virginia:
- Front Royal: 66°F
- Fredericksburg: 65°F
- Culpeper & Madison: 64–65°F
The sharp temperature contrast along the Chesapeake Bay highlights the cooling influence of chilly water temperatures this time of year.
Why D.C. Can Run Cooler in Late Winter
Washington’s official observation site sits near the Potomac River, and during late winter and early spring, nearby water can limit daytime warming.
This effect becomes more pronounced along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, where highs struggle in the lower 50s even as inland suburbs reach the 60s.
The map clearly shows this marine influence carving out a cooler zone along the eastern shoreline compared to western and inland locations.
A Historically Cool Winter
If Saturday reaches 63°F, it would:
- Tie the warmest temperature since early January.
- Become only the fifth day of the season at 60°F or higher.
A typical December–February period averages 12 days at 60° or above. Reaching five would make this the fewest such days since winter 2014–2015.
Before that, you’d have to go back to 2009–2010, when only three days hit 60°F or warmer.
Still Waiting on the First 70°
Climatologically, the D.C. area typically records its first 70-degree day around February 9.
That milestone has not yet occurred this year, though forecasts suggest it may arrive sometime next week as warmer air continues to build across the Mid-Atlantic.
Winter Ends on a Mild Note
Saturday marks the final day of climatological winter, and it appears the season may close with a taste of early spring — especially for inland Virginia and Maryland communities.
While waterfront areas will remain cooler, much of the region should enjoy comfortable, mild conditions before the calendar officially turns to March.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued weather updates as warmer air pushes into the Mid-Atlantic and we track whether 70° is next.