BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST Tuesday for northwest Montgomery and northwest Howard counties, as a light wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain moves into the region early Tuesday morning.
What to Expect:
- Snow/Sleet Accumulation: Up to 1 inch.
- Ice Accumulation: A light glaze, mainly on elevated and untreated surfaces.
- Timing: Precipitation begins around 5 a.m., changing to rain by mid to late morning.
While the amounts are modest, temperatures near freezing during the onset of precipitation could lead to slippery conditions on bridges, ramps, and secondary roads, especially during the Tuesday morning commute.
Precipitation will transition to plain rain by mid-morning as temperatures rise above freezing. Roads should gradually improve late in the morning.
Forecast Snapshot for Gaithersburg and Columbia:
- Early Tuesday (5–9 a.m.): Wintry mix — snow, sleet, and freezing rain possible.
- Late Tuesday morning: Changeover to rain.
- High: 39–42°F
- Low tonight: Around 30°F
Motorists are urged to allow extra time for travel, reduce speeds, and use caution on untreated surfaces. The first widespread winter event of the season is expected to bring a variety of precipitation types across the region, with the most significant impacts confined to the morning hours north and west of the D.C. metro area.
