Season’s first freeze is near as cold front dawns on area

The first freeze of the season will hit the Washington area this week as temperatures are expected to fall into the low 30s, the National Weather Service warned yesterday.

Bob Ryan, head meteorologist for WRC-TV (Channel 4), forecast temperatures for early this morning near freezing.

The cold temperatures will affect the entire region west of Interstate 95. Far Southern Maryland will not be affected by the freeze, said Luis Rosa, a meteorologist with the Sterling-based Weather Service.

A cold front will move into the Washington area today, with temperatures dropping into the upper teens early tomorrow morning in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia and in the Shenandoahs, and into the low 30s in the District and its suburbs.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid- to upper 40s during the day today and tomorrow. Temperatures should level out Thursday, with highs expected in the 50s.

The Weather Service predicts a slight chance of rain to come through the area Thursday night and early Friday, with temperatures expected to drop back slightly, into the upper 40s, on Friday.

The average temperature in the Washington area is about 57 degrees for November, with a record low of 11 degrees in 1929. The record low for today is 26 degrees, which occurred in 1976.

Residents can expect temperatures to stay on the colder side, Mr. Rosa said, through the winter and into March.

The weather service advises area residents to bring in any plants that could be harmed by freezing temperatures and brace themselves for a chilly commute.

“Be sure to bundle up the next few mornings,” Mr. Rosa said. “It’s going to be pretty cold, especially Wednesday morning.”