Maryland – Wind rattles bare branches and dry pavement chills quickly this morning, but the calm is deceptive. A much more dangerous winter pattern is lining up fast across the Mid-Atlantic.
A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and much of central Maryland as a major winter storm targets the region this weekend. According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, Arctic air already in place will collide with widespread precipitation beginning late Saturday, raising confidence in significant snow and ice.
Today stays mostly quiet, with sunshine and highs near the upper 40s across Baltimore. That brief break ends quickly. Temperatures drop sharply Friday night, with wind chills near zero by Saturday morning. Cold ground conditions will allow snow to accumulate quickly once precipitation begins.
Snow is expected to overspread the region Saturday evening. Periods of heavy snow are likely overnight, with at least 5 inches possible in Baltimore and surrounding suburbs. Some locations south and east of I-95 could see sleet or freezing rain mix in, increasing the risk of ice accumulation and power outages.
By Sunday, snow may transition to sleet or freezing rain at times, especially closer to the Chesapeake Bay and southern Maryland. Roads could become slick and impassable, including I-95, I-83, and the Baltimore Beltway. Visibility may drop below a quarter mile during heavier snow bands.
Sunday night into early Monday remains hazardous. Lingering snow and wintry mix may continue, followed by bitter cold. Any untreated surfaces could refreeze, worsening travel for the Monday morning commute.
Beyond the storm, below-normal temperatures linger into next week. The broader outlook shows continued cold across the Mid-Atlantic, with additional precipitation chances possible later.
Planning to travel this weekend? Let us know what conditions you’re seeing where you live.
Five Day Outlook for Baltimore, MD
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 42°F
- Saturday: Cloudy and cold, high near 20°F
- Sunday: Snow and wintry mix, high near 25°F
- Monday: Mostly sunny and cold, high near 26°F
- Tuesday: Sunny and cold, high near 24°F
