Storm Team4 forecast: Freeze warning tonight as week starts off cooler in DC, Maryland and Virginia

4 things to know about the weather:

1. Freeze warning Monday night
2. Feeling like March
3. Few Wednesday showers
4. Near 80° again by Thursday

Sunday’s rain added up to less than 1/4 of an inch but something is better than nothing in this bone dry pattern.

Since March 1, D.C. has had only about 3 inches of rain which is barely half of average. Moderate to severe drought conditions are likely to expand as the week ahead promises not much more than another 1/4 of an inch.

Northwest winds gusted to 41 mph Sunday as much colder air arrived. Sunday’s high of 66° was just after midnight and the low of 47° came after 11 p.m.

Freeze warning Monday night

We’ll start out in the 40s Monday morning and remain in the 50s for highs Monday afternoon with that northwest wind up and going all day. Sunny periods Monday morning will see more clouds during the afternoon with a small chance for a five minute rain shower.

Skies will clear, and the wind will diminish, after sunset setting the stage for a very cold night. Freeze warnings are posted for the entire area and spring plantings will need protection from the cold.

Urban areas and communities right near the Bay and tidal Potomac might escape the freeze but the rural areas and sheltered valleys could drop as low as 30°. Our best hope to avoid the freeze will be if the wind can stay up a bit more than forecast but if the wind goes calm a hard freeze will be likely.

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

Sunny skies will bring temperature to around 60° Tuesday afternoon. A warm front will arrive on Wednesday bringing clouds and a chance for some midday showers. Even a rumble of thunder is possible as temperatures return to 70°.

Most of the area will be back to 80° for Thursday and Friday. Much needed rain chances will return this weekend and keep us in the 60s.

NBC Washington

NBC Washington

QuickCast

MONDAY:
Cloudy & Sunny Periods
Breezy And Chilly
Quick Shower Possible
Wind: Northwest 12-24 mph
Chance of Rain: 10%
HIGHS: 52° to 57°

MONDAY NIGHT:
FREEZE WARNING
Clear Skies
Light Breeze
Wind: North 4-8 mph
Chance Of Rain: 0%
LOWS: 30° to 36°

TUESDAY:
Sunny Skies
Light Winds
On The Cool Side
Wind: South 4-8 mph
Chance of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 56° to 63°

WEDNESDAY:
Mostly Cloudy, Warmer
Scattered Midday Showers
Rainfall Less Than 1/4”
Wind: West 5-10 mph
Chance of Rain: 60%
HIGHS: 67° to 73°

THURSDAY:
Sunny Skies
Nice And Warm
Light Breeze
Wind: Northwest 4-8 mph
Chance of Rain: 0%
HIGHS: 75° to 80°

Sunrise: 6:25       Sunset: 7:50
Average High: 70°  Average Low: 50°

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.