The National Weather Service in Baltimore, MD/Washington DC, has delivered an advisory indicating that Baltimore residents should brace for continued snow showers, strong winds, and the potential for more wintry weather heading into the new week. This information comes on the heels of a gusty start to the new year. According to their latest area forecast discussion, the Alleghenies are witnessing snow showers this morning, which are expected to persist through Thursday morning. An aggressive low pressure from Canada drives several energy bursts across the region, bringing winds that could gust up to 50 mph.
Winter weather advisories and warnings are actuated for various counties, encompassing Garrett County in Maryland and parts of West Virginia, with predictions by the National Weather Service of 4 to 8 inches of snow, potentially up to an inch per hour, which could result in treacherous whiteout conditions especially along higher ridges, with the turbulent weather likely producing wind advisories for most locations along and north of I-66/US-50 and exhibiting slower winds as Thursday approaches. The Agency has also flagged the imminent arrival of another clipper system later in the week, which could usher in more accumulating snow, introducing fresher chilly air into the mix and maintaining the region's grip in the mid to upper 30s. However, a hint of respite emerges as quieter conditions are forecasted for Thursday evening, giving way to a brief build of high pressure.
Nonetheless, the potential for snow showers remains a concern into the weekend. The Allegheny Front could experience more snow showers on Friday that may linger. If conditions align, this could necessitate winter weather advisories for the higher elevations. Gusty winds and tough temperatures make for uncompromising conditions heading into Saturday when sub-zero wind chills are not out of the question.
The narrative of this week's weather continues with the forecast pointing to an increasing chance of wintry weather late Sunday into early next week, with specific details still to crystallize, with the Aviation section advising of VFR conditions today but warning of gusts 30 to 45 knots at times and the Marine section noting Gale Warnings for all waters, indicating a tumultuous start to the year for those on land and at sea with the advisories likely extending into Sunday where near-gale conditions could play out, highlighting an unmistakably challenging week for the Baltimore region weather-wise.
