The residents of Baltimore and the surrounding regions are bracing themselves for a string of cold, blustery days with a chance of snow showers, as detailed by the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC. According to an early morning update, a cold front is expected to sweep through the area tonight, promptly followed by a high-pressure system on Wednesday. More notably, a clipper system is forecasted to arrive from the northwest by Thursday, potentially bringing snow showers to the mountains and flurries to other parts.
The current conditions boast clear skies, which should persist through the morning. However, the weather will shift in the afternoon with the arrival of clouds ahead of the incoming disturbance. The Alleghenies are particularly focused, anticipating 2-3 inches of light snow, and gusty winds might lead to periodic snowblowing. Elsewhere, the odds for precipitation are slimmer with a few passing flurries that can't be ruled out this afternoon, but conditions should remain predominantly dry, as stated in the forecast. Temperatures will remain chilling throughout the region, barely reaching the mid-30s in lower elevations and plummeting to the teens in the mountains. Cold Weather Advisories are in effect tonight due to the harsh wind chills projected to hit as low as -20 degrees in some areas.
Looking ahead, Wednesday will present a momentary respite from snow showers due to the influence of high building pressure in the southwest. The dry spell will extend across the more easterly locations. Nevertheless, the cold continues, with winds keeping a firm hold on the day's comfort levels. The aforementioned clipper system will up the ante on Thursday as it descends with a greater moisture capacity, increasing the likelihood of a more pronounced snow event in the Alleghenies while also offering a chance for a dusting of snow further east.
The longer-term outlook through Monday paints a diverse picture with varied ensemble models indicating different potential outcomes, but all seem to agree on a colder trend setting in. By the weekend, temperatures could climb mildly before another cold front drives the mercury down, potentially paving the way for wintry precipitation. In the aviation sector, VFR conditions are predicted to hold through Thursday, with only minor concerns regarding flurries. For mariners, Gale Warnings are in place for all waters tonight, and Small Craft Advisories will be in effect during the day.
As for the tides and potential coastal flooding, the ongoing offshore flow should lead to diminished water levels, sparking a possibility for blowout conditions tonight into Wednesday, as reported in the advisory. Once the wind direction shifts, these levels are expected to stabilize closer to their norms.
Please head to the National Weather Service's website for the latest updates and advisories for the Baltimore area.
