Baltimore, MD – Maryland faces a potentially messy stretch of winter weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing above-normal precipitation and temperatures leaning above normal across much of the state. This pattern supports rain, snow in the west, and the risk of freezing rain, especially during colder overnight periods heading into Christmas Eve.
According to NOAA, western Maryland—including Cumberland, Frostburg, Deep Creek Lake, and higher elevations along I-68—stands the best chance for accumulating snow. Colder, more mountainous terrain will allow snow to fall more consistently throughout the period, especially December 19–22.
Central Maryland—including Baltimore, Columbia, Towson, Westminster, and Hagerstown—sits in the zone with the highest freezing-rain potential. With surface temperatures hovering near freezing during the early part of storms, warm-air intrusion aloft could create sleet or light ice, particularly between December 19–21. Even small amounts of glaze may cause slick roadways during the morning commute.
Farther east—including Annapolis, the Eastern Shore, Salisbury, and Ocean City—temperatures trend warmest. These areas will see mainly rain, though a push of colder air late in the period may allow rain to end as wet snow on December 23–24.
Travelers should plan for slowdowns, reduced visibility, and icy patches across major routes including I-70, I-95, I-83, U.S. 50, and the Baltimore Beltway, especially from December 21 through Christmas Eve when impacts appear strongest.
