Residents across the Mid-Atlantic braced for a dramatic shift in weather on November 16, 2025, as a potent mix of high winds and bone-dry conditions swept across the region, sparking widespread fire weather warnings and causing disruptions from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., and beyond. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning and a Wind Advisory for much of Maryland, northern Virginia, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, setting the stage for a day marked by hazardous conditions, power outages, and travel headaches.
Throughout Sunday, the weather story unfolded with a relentless northwest wind, driven by a cold front that had barreled through earlier in the morning. According to 7News, gusts reached as high as 50 mph in the afternoon, with sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph common across the region. The wind was more than just an inconvenience—it was strong enough to knock down tree limbs, send unsecured outdoor items skittering down sidewalks, and even cause sporadic power outages. As FOX 5 DC reported, "A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m., with northwest winds at 20–25 mph and gusts that could reach 50 mph."
But the wind alone wasn’t the only concern. Behind the cold front, the air turned exceptionally dry, with relative humidity plunging to around 20 percent. This, combined with ongoing drought conditions—the region had experienced the driest August on record, as WTOP meteorologist Mark Peña noted—meant that any spark could ignite a wildfire and send it racing out of control. The National Weather Service’s Red Flag Warning underscored the seriousness, cautioning that even a stray ember from a grill or a discarded cigarette could have disastrous consequences.
Officials across the region pleaded with residents to avoid any outdoor burning. As FOX 5 DC emphasized, "The National Weather Service has also issued a Red Flag Warning, meaning the combination of dry air, low humidity and strong winds could cause any fire to spread quickly. Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and to secure patio furniture, trash bins or any loose outdoor items." The message was clear: a single mistake could spark a fast-moving blaze.
Travelers felt the brunt of the winds as well. High-profile vehicles, such as trucks and vans, struggled to maintain control on elevated roadways and corridors running west to east, where crosswinds were especially fierce. At Dulles International Airport, arriving flights faced delays averaging over an hour, and ground stops kept passengers waiting as the wind whipped across the runways, according to WTOP. For those planning to fly, the advice was simple—check with your airline before heading out, as conditions were changing rapidly.
Power outages became a reality for thousands. In Maryland, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties were hit especially hard, with Baltimore suffering the most significant losses by 4 p.m., according to WTOP. In Virginia, over 1,200 households in Fairfax County lost electricity as winds toppled branches onto power lines. Utility crews scrambled to restore service, but the relentless gusts complicated their efforts.
As the day wore on, the weather’s other side—cold—began to make its presence felt. Temperatures, which had reached the low 60s early in the day, tumbled through the afternoon as chilly air poured in from the northwest. By 5 p.m., readings were down to about 52 degrees, and overnight lows were forecast to drop into the 30s, with wind chills making it feel even colder. The cold snap triggered a special alert from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who issued a cold alert effective from 8 p.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Monday. The alert, activated when temperatures feel like 32 degrees or colder, urged residents needing shelter to visit cold.dc.gov or call the city’s shelter hotline. City officials also encouraged neighbors to check on seniors, children, and people with disabilities during the chill.
Despite the blustery conditions, the skies remained mostly sunny, offering little respite from the wind but at least keeping precipitation at bay for the day. The clear, dry air kept fire danger high into the evening, even as winds gradually eased after sunset. "Winds will relax later tonight, but we’ll see another round of gusty conditions Monday," warned FOX 5 weather anchor Gwen Tolbart, reflecting the general consensus among meteorologists that the threat was not over.
Looking ahead, forecasters predicted that the gusty pattern would persist into Monday, November 17, with mostly sunny skies and highs ranging from the upper 40s to low 50s. Winds would continue to blow out of the northwest at 10–20 mph, with gusts over 25 mph possible, keeping the air feeling brisk. Monday night promised clear and cold conditions, with lows dipping into the upper 20s and low 30s—definitely a night for an extra blanket or two.
By Tuesday, the weather would begin to shift again. Clouds were expected to increase throughout the day, with showers developing by late afternoon and continuing into the evening. While the rain wouldn’t be especially heavy, it would be persistent enough to dampen roads by Wednesday morning. The rest of the week featured on-and-off rain chances, with highs holding in the 50s before rebounding to the low 60s by Friday and Saturday, according to forecasts from FOX 5 DC and 7News.
Throughout this high-impact weather event, the message from officials and meteorologists was consistent: stay alert, secure outdoor items, avoid burning, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The combination of drought, wind, and cold created a perfect storm for both fire danger and weather-related disruptions—a reminder of just how quickly conditions can change in the Mid-Atlantic.
As the winds finally began to subside late Sunday, residents could only hope for a calmer week ahead, but remained on guard for whatever surprises the fall weather might bring next.
