Baltimore, Maryland – Signals are trending colder for Maryland late next week, increasing the likelihood that snow becomes the dominant precipitation type across much of the state between Jan 20 and Jan 26. While specific storm systems remain uncertain, the overall pattern now favors snow over rain, especially away from the immediate Chesapeake Bay.
According to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, Maryland is included in an area with a 40 percent chance of above-normal precipitation during the 8–14 day period. Temperature trends during that same window increasingly support colder air holding in place, raising confidence that much of the precipitation falls as snow rather than rain, particularly inland and during overnight hours.
Western Maryland, including Garrett and Allegany counties, appears most favored for accumulating snow. Higher elevations near Oakland, Frostburg, and along the Allegheny Front could see multiple snow events as systems pass through, with cold air lingering long enough for snow to remain the primary precipitation type.
Central Maryland, including Frederick, Carroll, and northern Baltimore County, also shows an increasing snow signal. Periods of snow are possible even during daytime hours, with colder nighttime conditions supporting better accumulation. Farther south and east, including Baltimore City and surrounding suburbs, snow remains possible, especially during colder windows, though brief mixing closer to the Bay cannot be ruled out.
Repeated snow chances could lead to slick roads, particularly during morning and evening commutes on I-70, I-83, I-68, and secondary routes. Even moderate snowfall spread over several days may compound travel impacts.
Residents should begin preparing for winter travel conditions, monitor updated outlooks, and stay alert for possible winter weather advisories as confidence continues to improve heading into late January.
