Thanksgiving cold snap could chill DMV travelers

• NWS is warning of a "polar vortex," an area of cold air around the Arctic, hitting the country this week, bringing chilly temps and snow across the country right when AAA projects record holiday traffic.

State of play: Expect the cold front to bring highs in the 40s to D.C. on Thanksgiving Day — but the wind chill will likely be in the 30s, due to gusts, says Capital Weather Gang.

Flying for the holiday? NWS says the extreme weather may start as early as Tuesday — and you'll feel it around the country.

• There's a "moderate risk of heavy snow for the Central Rockies" from Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and for the Upper Great Lakes and the Interior Northeast Nov. 29-30.

Zoom out: D.C. is set for a cold winter this year, although with a little less snow than last year, predicts Capital Weather Gang.

• December is expected to be chilly, thanks to the incoming polar vortex, as is January. February could be a bit warmer.
• We're likely to see three or four significant snow storms with accumulation, and a predicted 8 to 14 inches in the area.

What we're watching: If snowy weather across the country snarls flights at Dulles, DCA and BWI.