Baltimore residents, brace yourselves for snowfall today as a clipper system runs across the region. The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC provides updates on weather conditions, informing us that after the clipper system's passing, we can expect high pressure to make a brief appearance before another low-pressure system introduces wintry precipitation late Sunday into Monday.
In the immediate term, snow hits the Ohio Valley and approaches Appalachia. While most of the Baltimore area should only see a cloud cover increase this morning, northern Maryland, along and east of the Catoctin Mountain, is poised for what could be a wintry mix turning into a brief but heavy snow, likely impacting the afternoon commute. According to the National Weather Service, "One to locally two inches is possible" because the snowfall, though potentially brief, will be heavy. Postfrontal winds could lead to slick travel conditions, which, combined with the expected temperature drop behind the front, warrants careful monitoring and potentially rapid response from road crews.
Travelers in and west of the Alleghenies may encounter "very difficult travel conditions," with the National Weather Service having issued both Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories in these areas through tonight. A Wind Advisory is also in effect for some elevated regions, where gusts could reach up to 50 mph.
Saturday brings a reprieve of sorts, with snow showers tapering, a cold, blustery day in store, and the mercury struggling to rise above freezing point. Air temperatures may dip into the single digits and low teens, especially in the Alleghenies, where Wind and Cold Weather Advisories will likely continue into Saturday night. The lull is set to end Sunday evening, as the National Weather Service predicts a low-pressure system will quickly give way to returning precipitation, leading to a mix of sleet and freezing rain, which may turn into rain before reverting to snow as the system winds down.
Looking ahead, the marine forecast signals turbulent conditions with Small Craft Advisories and a Gale Warning issued for parts of the Chesapeake Bay, as the National Weather Service mentioned. Visibility on the waters could be significantly impaired by Monday evening due to the anticipated wintry precipitation. Tides and potential coastal flooding are another concern, with low water levels expected in parts of the Chesapeake Bay due to persistent, gusty winds.
