Weather
Maryland Winter Weather: Snow or Ice Before Thanksgiving, Nov. 26?
Baltimore, MD – Maryland residents wondering whether the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season could arrive before Christmas have a historical date to watch. Baltimore typically experien
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-17T07:55:08.016Z
Baltimore, MD – Maryland residents wondering whether the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season could arrive before Christmas have a historical date to watch. Baltimore typically experiences its first accumulating snow in mid December, although freezing rain and icy conditions can become concerns as colder weather develops across the region.
According to historical snowfall information provided for this report, Baltimore's typical first measurable snowfall occurs around Dec. 11. That is 14 days before Christmas, which falls on Friday, Dec. 25, this year, and 15 days after Thanksgiving.
When Does Maryland Usually See Its First Snow? Maryland's geography creates significant differences in when winter weather arrives.
Western Maryland, particularly higher elevation communities near Cumberland and Oakland, can experience colder temperatures and snowfall earlier than Baltimore and communities closer to the Chesapeake Bay.
Baltimore serves as a reference point for the state's typical first measurable snowfall timing.
Measurable snowfall is defined as at least 0.1 inches of accumulation. Flurries can occur before that threshold is reached.
Could Snow or Ice Arrive Before Christmas? Historical patterns suggest that measurable snowfall before Christmas is possible across Maryland, particularly in western and northern communities.
However, freezing rain can pose a serious winter weather threat.
Cold air damming occurs when cold air becomes trapped east of the Appalachian Mountains. If warmer, moisture rich air moves above that shallow cold layer, freezing rain can develop.
Ice accumulation can make bridges, highways and untreated roads hazardous, even without significant snowfall.
The Dec. 11 benchmark represents historical timing, not a confirmed snowfall or ice storm forecast for 2026.
Residents across Baltimore, Frederick, Hagerstown, Annapolis and western Maryland should monitor National Weather Service forecasts as December approaches.
For now, Maryland's historical snowfall calendar points toward mid December for Baltimore's first measurable snow, placing its typical arrival before Christmas but after Thanksgiving.