Residents of Baltimore and the wider Maryland region should brace for a chilly week ahead. The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC reports persistent upper troughing that's slated to keep temperatures well below average until the middle of next week. Snow showers, particularly in areas west of the Allegheny Mountains, are expected as multiple upper-level disturbances glide through.
Today's near-term forecast has reduced the chances of measurable precipitation for many, shifting snow accumulations primarily to the mountainous west. "Light snow accumulations of up to an inch or two are possible in those areas," the National Weather Service stated in its morning discussion. A scant sprinkling of snow could also adorn the higher terrains of locations such as Augusta and Rockingham Counties.
Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday, sunny skies won't do much to warm the residents. Gusty northwestern winds are expected to make the air feel even colder, with wind chills barely climbing into the 20s and lower 30s. It's a similar story for air travelers, with VFR conditions projected during the same period despite the frosty gusts of up to 25 knots come Tuesday.
Midweek doesn't offer much reprieve as sub-VFR conditions are on the table for Wednesday, owing to potential warm advection showers blurring the skies. "Precipitation types will exhibit some mixing between rain/snow showers," the NWS forecast discussion notes on potential weather for Wednesday. Maritimers will need to be wary, too, as southerly winds may escalate close to gale force, hinting at the necessity of Small Craft Advisories—or stronger warnings—as we head into Thursday.
For those taking the long view, the extended forecast advises that persistence is key—with persistent cyclonic flow. This meteorological steadfastness means that Baltimore’s residents should keep their winter coats at hand as below-average temperatures continue to reign, accompanied by occasional snow showers across the Alleghenies. End-of-week and weekend temperatures look set to remain in the chilly zone, although uncertainty clouds the possibility of a larger impacting system making its presence felt next weekend.
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