“Cold snap.” “Polar blast.” “Arctic chill.” Just three of the ways local meteorologists and weather writers are describing the freeze that is set to descend upon D.C.

“A strong cold front will pass through the area this afternoon and evening. Arctic high pressure will build toward the region behind this system Tuesday through Tuesday night,” the National Weather Service states. “A reinforcing cold front will approach the area Wednesday and Wednesday night before passing through Thursday.”

NWS also notes that “bitterly cold air for this time of year will move overhead Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Temperatures will be between 10 and 20 degrees below normal. In fact, temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday would be several degrees below normal in January.

Yes, January. No, we did not fall into a wormhole and skip Thanksgiving. Let’s hold on to that.