WASHINGTON
The DC metro area is experiencing an unusually harsh cold front, the like of which has not been seen for nearly two decades.
“I’ve never experienced cold like this in the DC area,” said David Baker, a Chevy Chase, Maryland resident, as a partially frozen Potomac River flowed slowly behind him.
“I’m walking down the street and it feels like needles are hitting my face a little bit, and I just can’t believe this cold. It’s crazy,” he added.
Temperatures reached -14 degrees at Reagan National Airport just outside of DC with wind gusts bring temperatures that felt like -29 degrees. Tuesday’s temperatures are the lowest since 1996 when the mercury dropped to -13 degrees.
The record lows are due to a burst of cold air from the Artic known as a “polar vortex”.
For residents walking DC’s streets, the frosty weather was a startling reminder of the mother nature’s unpredictability.
“This is the coldest it’s been since 1996; really the coldest I can remember. I’ve never experienced single-digit temperatures in my life,” said Sam Glover, a Fredericksburg, Virginia resident.
Tuesday’s low in Fahrenheit, which is the US standard, was just 7 degrees.
Kerry Solis, a DC resident, considered herself fortunate for having bundled up before heading out for work Tuesday.
“It’s pretty cold. I’m glad I don’t work outside. I feel bad for those who do today. But luckily I’ve got a big, fat winter coat and it seems to be working pretty good,” she said.
Temperatures are expected to rise later in the week, with an expected high of 7 degrees on Friday.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
