Baltimore, MD – A surge of Arctic air is forecast to sweep into the Mid-Atlantic from December 12 through December 16, bringing a blast of bitter cold and potentially the lowest temperatures of the season, according to the National Weather Service in St. Louis.
Forecast models indicate a 60–80% probability of below-normal temperatures across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware, with some areas struggling to climb above freezing during the day. Overnight lows may plunge into the teens, with single-digit wind chills expected in higher elevations and northern sections.
Meteorologists say confidence is high that the region will experience a significant cold outbreak, though the exact intensity is still uncertain. The NWS advises residents to dress in layers, check on vulnerable neighbors, and limit time outdoors, as exposure risks for frostbite and hypothermia rise sharply in these conditions.
The Arctic air is expected to linger through midweek before temperatures gradually moderate heading into the following weekend.
