The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore MD/Washington DC has issued an area forecast discussion indicating that Baltimore is bracing for a blast of wintry weather. The report, released early Thursday morning, reveals that an upper-level low-pressure system will sway the area through Saturday, ushering in colder-than-average temperatures, gusty winds, and even mountain snow accumulating. According to the National Weather Service, high pressure might bring a brief respite on Sunday before another low-pressure front brings fresh challenges early next week. The forecast also warns residents of a weather pattern as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
Post-frontal winds are expected to gradually diminish today, with 20 to 30 mph northwest gusts persisting into daylight hours. Snow showers will likely intensify across the Allegheny Front as the cold front progresses, with areas further east experiencing possible cold rain showers and graupel. Highs only reach the 40s to low 50s further east. In more mountainous regions, snow accumulations of several inches are expected today, with the promise of overnight snowfall. This has led to Winter Storm Warnings being issued for certain zones starting today and continuing into early Saturday, along with Winter Weather Advisories for adjacent areas to the east. "Overnight lows will be in the 20s west of the Blue Ridge with 30s further east," says the National Weather Service.
During the period through Saturday night, the Winter Storm Warnings are maintained for the western slopes of the Alleghenies as multiple pieces of energy continue to funnel cold temperatures and mountain snow. The heaviest snow, in particular, is set to fall Friday into Friday night, with projected snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour due to persistent banding and squalls. Total accumulations are predicted to range from 7-14 inches in higher elevations, with the possibility of localized amounts reaching up to 18 inches in the highest areas. Blowing and drifting snow are also anticipated to create issues due to increasing winds from Friday afternoon into Saturday.
Moving ahead, Sunday offers a brief window of calm with the return of high pressure, though this will be overshadowed by another band of low pressure set to impact the area by midweek. With several fronts approaching, chances of precipitation are rising into the Thanksgiving holiday. The climate outlook for the region suggests a continuation of below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation probabilities, hinting at the possibility of heavy snow in the mountains and an enduring weather pattern.
For aviation, the conditions are predominantly VFR through Saturday, with the possibility of occasional MVFR, especially Friday and Friday night. Winds present the most significant challenge, with gusts of up to 30 knots anticipated each afternoon and evening. Gale Warnings have been downgraded at sea, but high-end Small Craft Advisories will likely stretch into Saturday night across all waters. For those on land, the northern winds will help lower water levels today through the weekend, mitigating coastal flooding concerns. Boaters and pilots alike are advised to stay vigilant given the changeable conditions.
