Whatever other changes he’s bringing to D.C., Barack Obama is bringing Chicago-style weather with him.
The National Weather Service is predicting freezing or near-freezing weather throughout the inaugural, and there is a possibility of snow.
AccuWeather.com is predicting that today’s slightly higher temperatures will dip this afternoon amid a blast of wind and snow, with accumulations of up to an inch. Temperatures are to be bitterly low overnight, with howling winds.
There will be little relief Tuesday morning. Forecasters predict that amid partly cloudy skies, temperatures will struggle to get to 32 degrees, but gusts of wind will leave inauguration celebrants feeling much colder.
Churches and federal buildings near the Mall, Congress and the parade route will throw their doors open to refugees from the cold.
Tourists are urged to dress in warm layers and keep an eye on one another.
Overexposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia, a sometimes fatal condition in which the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees. It requires immediate attention and afflicts the elderly and children. Alcohol and drugs also can contribute.
According to the Mayo Clinic’s Web site, symptoms of hypothermia include:
uncontrollable shivering;
the “umbles” — stumbling, mumbling, fumbling and grumbling
slurred speech
abnormally slow rate of breathing
cold, pale skin and
fatigue, lethargy or apathy
Anyone who shows these symptoms is urged to get indoors to a warm, dry place until help can arrive.
