Baltimore, Maryland – A sharp shift toward colder winter conditions is expected across Maryland beginning Thursday as an Arctic cold front pushes through the Mid-Atlantic, bringing well below-normal temperatures while snowfall chances remain close to seasonal averages through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, Maryland is forecast to see near-normal precipitation from Thursday through Monday. That means widespread winter storms are not expected, but colder air will allow any passing systems to produce snow or brief wintry mixes, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Western Maryland, including Garrett and Allegany counties, is most likely to see periods of light snow due to higher elevations and colder temperatures. Communities such as Oakland, Frostburg, and Deep Creek Lake may experience occasional accumulating snow, creating slick travel conditions on mountain roads. Central Maryland, including Baltimore, Towson, Columbia, and the Interstate 95 corridor, is more likely to see limited snowfall, though flurries or brief snow showers cannot be ruled out. Any light precipitation could quickly freeze on untreated surfaces.
Eastern portions of the state, including the Eastern Shore, may see minimal snow activity, but cold air will still create icy risks overnight, particularly on bridges and exposed roadways near the Chesapeake Bay. Refreezing will be a concern statewide as temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
Travel impacts are possible along major routes such as Interstate 95, Interstate 70, Interstate 68, Route 50, and Route 301, especially during the morning commute when icy patches may be difficult to detect.
The most significant impact from this pattern will be the cold. Daytime highs are expected to remain suppressed, with overnight lows dropping well below freezing. Wind chills may reach uncomfortable to dangerous levels at times.
Residents are encouraged to dress in layers, limit prolonged outdoor exposure, and prepare vehicles and homes for sustained cold. This Arctic pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with additional cold-related advisories possible.
