As the city of Baltimore prepares for a mix of weather conditions, the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington has released its latest area forecast. According to the forecast, the region will see a weakening low-pressure system affecting the area through tonight, with intense high pressure to the northeast.
Travelers and commuters should note that wintry precipitation is on the menu this morning, extending into Monday for some regions. The National Weather Service warns that a "quarter inch of ice remains greatest along the Continental Divide," where warm air aloft influences the freezing line. Areas west of the Blue Ridge and Nelson County have been added to the winter weather advisory due to potential snow and ice accumulations, especially on the ridges. Depending on warm advection, some areas may see a transition from snow to sleet. Eastern regions should warm enough to prevent accumulation, though a brief period of snow or sleet is possible before transitioning to rain this afternoon.
Tonight, the Baltimore area can expect precipitation to move eastward as the upper trough progresses. Yet, light rain or drizzle may linger due to weak lift over the cold air damming wedge. Localized dense fog could form, adding another layer to the night’s atmospheric complexity. Temperatures will likely stay steady or slightly rise throughout the night.
On Monday and Tuesday, conditions should improve with cloudy skies and chances for rain with temperatures above freezing. Despite the brevity of high pressure and clear skies on Tuesday, the weather will quickly shift with the approach of the next low-pressure system from the Ohio Valley. Aviation conditions are set to worsen late Wednesday into Thursday, with rain moving in, potentially lifting as the next system moves on later in the week.
The mariners should not let their guard down, either. The advisory remains in effect for certain waters until early this morning. As winds pick up ahead of a cold front Monday night, we might see the necessity for additional Small Craft Advisories. However, relief comes as winds are expected to lessen with the arrival of brief high pressure by late Tuesday. Steady as she goes, but stay sharp—conditions can change on the open water just as swiftly as on land.
