Baltimore, Maryland – A stubborn Arctic air mass is settling over Maryland and Delaware, setting up a prolonged stretch of bitter cold that could persist well into February. Temperatures are expected to plunge this weekend, with overnight lows dropping sharply across the region and daytime highs struggling to recover, increasing the risk for icy roads and prolonged freezing conditions.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, outlooks from late January through mid-February favor much below normal temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic. This same Arctic pattern is driving subzero air deep into the Midwest and Northeast while pushing unseasonably cold conditions into parts of the Southeast, reinforcing a long-duration cold setup for Maryland and Delaware.
The most immediate concern is wintry precipitation this weekend, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain possible from central Maryland into northern Delaware. Slick conditions could develop along I-95, I-83, I-70, Route 1, and secondary roads, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Prolonged cold also raises concerns for frozen pipes, power strain, and isolated frost quake activity as temperatures drop rapidly.
Looking ahead, only brief and limited moderation is possible, with no sustained warm-up likely before mid-February. Residents are urged to limit non-essential travel during icy periods, protect plumbing, check heating systems, and stay alert as additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts may be issued while this Arctic pattern remains firmly in place.
