According to the National Weather Service, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC, are bracing for another bout of icy weather. The latest forecast specifies that Arctic high pressure will keep temperatures well below average into Thursday, with mountain areas expecting lows in the single digits and dangerously cold wind chills that could reach below zero degrees.
The cold weather advisories currently in place through Wednesday morning should be lifted during the day. Still, wind chill values near or just below zero early Wednesday morning are a concern for much of the area. Those living in Augusta and Rockingham counties must remain vigilant, as conditions could remain severe overnight into Thursday. Extreme cold warnings are in place along the Alleghenies and the Blue Ridge through Thursday morning.
Relief may be on the horizon as temperatures are anticipated to climb by the end of the week; "as surface high pressure slides east, southerly return flow will result in very welcome warm air advection on Thursday," states the National Weather Service. Highs could reach the upper 20s to mid-30s by Thursday, contrasting to the recent bitter cold.
Looking ahead, the coldest conditions are expected to relent by the weekend, with high pressure forecasted to bring drier and warmer conditions. However, a cold front is expected to sweep in by Sunday, potentially delivering snow showers over the Appalachian ridges. However, general precipitation will be scarce due to the front's anticipated lack of moisture.
Aviation operations should see VFR conditions through Sunday with occasional gusty winds. For mariners, a Small Craft Advisory remains effective until 10 AM this morning due to strong N/NW winds that should diminish as the day progresses, according to the marine section of the weather service's discussion.
These weather developments emphasize the need for residents to stay updated and prepared for changing conditions as Baltimore experiences this particularly frigid winter.
