Baltimore, Maryland – A reinforcing Arctic cold front is expected to move through the region late tonight, bringing bitter wind chills into early Tuesday morning and creating hazardous conditions across the Baltimore area.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington, west to northwest winds will combine with frigid temperatures to produce wind chills between 0 and 10 degrees above zero east of the mountains, including Baltimore and surrounding suburbs. Across higher elevations to the west, wind chills could fall as low as 20 degrees below zero.
Overnight low temperatures in the Baltimore area are forecast to drop into the single digits to near zero, making this one of the coldest nights of the season so far. The coldest conditions are expected late tonight through the early Tuesday morning commute.
The National Weather Service warns that wind chills this low can lead to frostbite or hypothermia for those without adequate cold-weather protection. Officials urge residents to dress in multiple layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors when possible.
The extreme cold may also impact roadway safety, especially overnight. Very cold temperatures can cause refreezing on untreated or damp roads, even where no new precipitation is falling. Drivers should remain alert for slick spots on Interstate 95, Interstate 695 (Baltimore Beltway), Interstate 83, U.S. Route 40, and local bridges and overpasses.
Motorists traveling late tonight or early Tuesday should allow extra time, ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and be prepared for reduced traction in shaded or elevated areas. Battery and mechanical issues are also more common during extreme cold.
The National Weather Service notes that conditions will gradually improve Tuesday afternoon as winds ease slightly, but cold weather will persist. Additional updates will be issued if conditions change.
Commuters, students, and early-morning workers in the Baltimore area should plan accordingly for dangerously cold wind chills overnight into Tuesday morning.
