Baltimore residents and those in the surrounding region are looking at a wet day ahead. The National Weather Service in Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC, predicts an increase in rain chances as we approach midday. They are also forecasting possible freezing drizzle across the higher ridges of the Alleghenies tonight. According to their early morning area forecast discussion, this rain event stems from a low-pressure system moving toward the area. It should transition to more wintry precipitation overnight in specific locales.
The forecast indicates a spectrum of expected rainfall, from about a quarter of an inch close to metropolitan hubs to potentially three-quarters of an inch in western Maryland. At the same time, the overnight transition may lead to light accumulations of snow and ice, particularly in higher elevations, a potentially slippery situation for residents in these areas. However, any accumulations are likely to be light. Furthermore, a significant temperature gradient, with the mid-40s near the Mason-Dixon line and mid-50s to near 60 in central VA, is anticipated to drop tonight with lows from the 20s to 30s for most near 40 along the immediate waters.
Following today's moisture, Thursday is expected to bring notably colder temperatures and perhaps a brief continuance of light precipitation in the morning for the Alleghenies but dry conditions elsewhere. Friday's weather narrative brings the region an upper-level trough and associated clipper low. This could produce several inches of snow across the Alleghenies from Friday into Saturday, causing potential disruptions and hazards for drivers and requiring road crews to work through the weekend.
In the longer outlook, a robust Canadian high-pressure system is slated to usher in a very cold airmass, with well below normal temperatures from Saturday through Monday, spelled out in the long-term weather forecast, predicting highs only in the 30s interspersed with 20s or colder in the mountains, intensifying the chill factor with blustery conditions Saturday afternoon the northwest winds alone could gust around 20-25 mph, contributing to a bone-chilling feel most pronounced on Sunday when temperatures could remain at or below freezing throughout the day.
For aviators, conditions are set to be predominantly VFR today until the approaching low brings the potential for MVFR or IFR conditions. VFR is likely to resume by Thursday with the arrival of the next high-pressure center. According to the Marine section of the weather update, Mariners should anticipate Small Craft Advisory conditions from post-frontal northwesterly winds tonight into Thursday across all waters.
