According to the National Weather Service, Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC, the cold has gripped the region. As an expansive Arctic high pressure continues to build into the north-central U.S., residents can expect chilly conditions to persist throughout the week.
Today, though less windy than days past, will still experience gusts ranging from 15 to 25 mph. Cloud cover is also expected to increase tonight, with an area of low pressure tracking from west-central VA eastward potentially leading to snowfall ranges of 3 to 5 am across Highland County to Wintergreen, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Looking forward, a complex winter weather event is anticipated to unfold mid-week, primarily affecting regions south of I-66. Low pressure is set to swiftly pass south of the area, bringing most precipitation with it. Nevertheless, "confidence is high and spread is relatively lower" for West of the Blue Ridge into the central Shenandoah Valley to Highland/western Pendleton Counties, resulting in a Winter Weather Advisory, according to the National Weather Service.
Moving into the weekend, a dry and chilly spell will prevail, with temperatures averaging 5 to 10 degrees below normal. Wind gusts approaching a frigid 50 mph could bring dangerously cold wind chills, particularly in the Appalachians. However, by Sunday, the high pressure will shift, allowing for slightly more bearable climates towards the start of next week. The National Weather Service predicts a chance for a rain or snow shower Sunday night and Monday.
For those taking to the skies, there's a likelihood of encountering VFR conditions steadily until the weekend, barring possible light snow at metro terminals midweek. Mariners, on the other hand, should heed advisories as northwest winds dial down today, to then potentially grapple with advisory criteria winds Wednesday night and stronger gales anticipated through Friday.
