CommuteCast: Clear Skies Lead to Cold Night

Protect your plants! Last freeze threat of the season?

*3 a.m. to 8 a.m: Freeze Warning W of I-95, Frost Advisory E of I-95*

After this morning's chilly start, sunshine has warmed the area into the upper 50s. Light northerly winds are slowly weakening as high pressure builds into the region. Today's drive home will be dry with clear skies.

Tonight: April 15 is the beginning of the growing season in and around D.C., and right on cue, we are expecting very cold (for mid-April) conditions overnight. Clear skies and slackening winds will allow for prime radiational cooling. Expect lows to drop to the upper 20s to right around 30 north and west of the District, and into the mid or low 30s south and east of the city. D.C. itself will likely be spared both a frost and freeze, with temperatures staying in the mid to upper 30s, thanks to the ever-present urban heat island effect.

Tomorrow: Following a frosty or frozen start in many places, warming will continue in earnest tomorrow as highs reach the mid to upper 60s across the area with light winds. Expect mostly sunny conditions throughout the day as high pressure dominates.

See Matt's forecast through the weekend, and PopeCast for Thursday's Papal Mass at Nationals Park.