WASHINGTON, D.C. – Don’t pack the winter coat away just yet. Forecasters say a potential polar vortex split could send colder air into the Washington, D.C. region before the end of March, bringing one last reminder of winter as spring begins to take hold.

What we know about the potential cold blast

Long-range forecast models suggest the polar vortex — a mass of cold air typically locked near the North Pole — could split by the end of March.

If that happens, colder air may shift into parts of the northern U.S., including the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Forecasters with FOX Weather say this setup could bring below-average temperatures to areas like Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia late in the month.

Polar Vortex (FOX Weather)

What local meteorologists are saying

While long-range models point to a possible late-month cooldown, FOX 5 DC meteorologists say a warmup is expected in the near term.

“It’s the last day of winter tomorrow and it sure felt like it on Wednesday, though a timely warmup is expected as we prepare to start spring!” FOX 5’s Mike Thomas said while outlining the forecast for the rest of the week.

That outlook underscores the uncertainty in longer-range projections, with warmer spring conditions expected before any potential shift later in the month.

What we don’t know yet

It remains uncertain exactly where the coldest air will settle.

That uncertainty will determine whether the D.C. region sees a noticeable cooldown or only a slight dip in temperatures.

How this could impact the D.C. region

The D.C. area may see a return to cooler conditions just as spring begins, though impacts could be less intense if the coldest air stays farther north.

While widespread snow is not currently expected, temperatures could still dip enough to bring a brief reminder of winter.

Polar Vortex (FOX Weather)

Is this winter’s final blast?

The polar vortex has been a key driver of cold outbreaks this winter.

Forecasters say this could be the last time it plays a significant role this season as warmer spring patterns take over.

What’s next in the forecast

Meteorologists will continue to refine the forecast in the coming days as models better determine how far south the cold air will travel.

Even if a cooldown arrives, temperatures are expected to trend warmer into April.

Polar Vortex (FOX Weather)

The man prosecutors say planned and coordinated a series of seven inside-job robberies of a Walgreens in D.C.’s Chinatown was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years and six months in prison.

Gianni Robinson, 28, of D.C., conspired with two store managers — one of them his uncle — and another man who posed as a masked gunman, 26-year-old Kamanye Williams, to carry out the string of robberies between July 2023 and February 2024.

All four pleaded guilty in early 2025 to charges related to their roles in the robberies, which culminated in a special police officer shooting Williams during the final job.

“After police posted surveillance footage of his co-conspirator robbing the Walgreens, Gianni Robinson sent the YouTube link to the gunman with a laughing emoji. He thought the crimes he conspired on were funny,” U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro said in a release. “Now, after seven robberies, countless traumatized employees and one man shot in the chest, Robinson isn’t laughing anymore.”

Robinson, prosecutors said, served as the “operational hub” for the robberies, funneling information from the conspiring store managers to Williams so he could access the manager’s office where a safe was located.

According to prosecutors, Robinson also coordinated getaway arrangements and dividing the stolen money. In their plea agreements, prosecutors said the group of four admitted to stealing and splitting at least $28,983 from the string of robberies.

Robinson’s uncle, Michael Robinson, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Williams was sentenced to more than 16 years behind bars. The other store manager, London Teeter, is scheduled for sentencing April 23.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

WASHINGTON – The House Oversight Committee on Wednesday is considering a proposal that would eliminate Washington, D.C.’s traffic camera program.

What we know:

Supporters call it an effort to curb what they describe as a revenue‑driven system, and opponents argue it would undermine road safety. 

The markup is expected to be debated and likely advanced out of committee under the Republican majority.

The District operates more than 500 automated enforcement cameras, generating more than $267 million in revenue. Mayor Muriel Bowser says the program contributed to a 52% drop in traffic fatalities last year. 

Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, who introduced the measure, has labeled the system a “revenue trap” and seeks to end both speed cameras and the city’s no‑right‑turn‑on‑red rule. 

Federal transportation agencies consider speed cameras a proven safety tool, and nearly half of U.S. states allow some form of automated enforcement. 

If approved by the committee, the bill would need to be scheduled for a House vote before heading to the Senate.