Residents of Baltimore and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region are gearing up for a mix of weather changes, including much-needed rain and below-normal temperatures, as a strong cold front is predicted to sweep across the area starting tonight. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, the front is set to bring gusty winds, cold temperatures, and possibly a low-topped squall line this evening, with the chance of a stray thunder rumble during its passage.
The immediate concern tonight will be the amplified wind field following the cold front, with potential gusts hitting 50 mph along the higher ridges of the Allegheny Front. This led authorities to issue a Wind Advisory for parts of the region, as showers will stick around into early Thursday. Furthermore, Winter Storm Watches are in effect through Saturday evening for select areas anticipating significant snowfall. Despite this, most of today will bring warmer conditions with highs in the low to mid-60s before the front ushers in a chilling change.
Starting Thursday, snow showers are slated for the Allegheny Front due to decreasing cold air over higher terrain, likely causing windy conditions later in the day as the area braces for its first significant mountain snow event of the season, with 8 to 12 inches expected along and west of the Allegheny Front. It's forecasted that accumulations could exceed a foot in higher elevations as temperatures remain in the upper 20s to just below freezing and 40s to 50s further east, with increasing winds creating additional challenges such as blowing and drifting snow.
Looking towards the weekend and beyond, snow shower activity will taper off as the system moves out, yet gusty winds remain possible into Saturday. High pressure is expected to lead to a reprieve and moderating temperatures into next week. Weather, however, is anticipated to persist into the holiday period. As the high-pressure system builds, dry and more settled weather should prevail by Sunday, leading to a slight warming trend with highs returning to the 60-degree mark by early next week.
For aviation, the forecast indicates that MVFR to IFR conditions could persist today before transitioning to VFR conditions post-front, but pilots should anticipate gusty winds as a prevailing issue. The marine forecast echoes this sentiment, warning of Gale Warnings on the waters starting this evening and continuing into Thursday morning, with Special Marine Warnings a possibility due to the sudden strength of gusts expected. Tidal forecasts suggest minor coastal flooding risks at sensitive sites. However, water levels should decrease as westerly winds prevail, with a stronger influx forecasted to impact the region over the weekend.
