The focus of our forecast for today is the wind.  Expect hefty winds howling out of the west at 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph through the remainder of the daylight hours.  Temperatures will only fluctuate a few degrees throughout the day with highs ranging from near 40 west of the Blue Ridge to 50 degrees in southern Maryland.  However, it will feel like the 30s when you factor in the wind.  The wind will subside this evening, and luckily so as the stage will be set for a cold night.  Temperatures should drop into the 20s all across the abc7 viewing area by Thursday morning.

A brief and subtle warming trend is in the works through the weekend with highs in the low to mid 50s Friday through New Year's Day.  However, it is important to note that computer models are hinting at a big cold air outbreak by the early and middle part of next week.  The coldest air so far this season could very well be on its way by Tuesday.