Life-Threatening Cold Returns To NoVA This Weekend, Forecasts Warn

Forecasters are warning Northern Virginia residents to brace for another round of dangerously cold weather this weekend, as well as strong winds and a chance of another round of snow.

According to the latest forecast from AccuWeather, an Arctic front is expected to sweep from the Great Lakes into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states Friday into Saturday, bringing possible snow squalls, damaging wind gusts and a return to bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills.

While the greatest chance for snow will likely be in western counties, where winter storm watches are in effect Friday into Saturday, the D.C. region could still see some accumulation, especially along and north of Interstate 66/Route 50.

In a forecast discussion released Wednesday, the National Weather Service said areas of Northern Virginia east of the Alleghenies and along the Interstate 95 corridor will also likely see winds topping 40 to 45 mph on Friday and Saturday as the front moves through the state.

On top of the wind, temperatures throughout the state are expected to plummet, posing significant safety risks to Virginians who are still trying to clear roads, driveways and sidewalks from ice that accumulated during the last winter storm.

Low temperatures are expected to drop back into the single digits and teens Friday night, with highs Saturday struggling to get out of the teens and mid-20s. Lows on Saturday night will also be in the single digits with widespread subzero wind chills late Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning.

Gusty winds will not only exacerbate the dangerous wind chills, forecasters warned, but could also cause isolated tree damage and power outages.

According to forecasters, wind chills as low as those predicted this weekend will pose a "life-threatening" risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin.

"Have a cold-weather survival kit if traveling. Limit time outdoors and cover exposed skin if outside," the National Weather Service wrote. "Ensure pets and livestock have adequate protection from the cold, take steps to prevent frozen pipes, and avoid traveling on frozen bodies of water where ice thickness is uncertain."

If going outside during cold weather is unavoidable, to prevent frostbite or hypothermia, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves, and wear a hat and mouth cover to reduce heat loss.

Also, stay dry. If clothing gets wet, change into a dry set as soon as you can. Wet clothing loses its ability to insulate and actually transmits heat away from the body more quickly.

• RELATED: How To Prepare, Safety Tips For Winter Storms In VA

Here's a look at the detailed forecast for the D.C. region:

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 35. North wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 17. North wind around 6 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 32. North wind 7 to 9 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

Friday: A chance of snow after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of snow before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 23. Blustery.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 10. Blustery.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 33.