Residents in Baltimore and the surrounding region should brace for significant wintry weather, with the National Weather Service forecasting a series of storms set to impact the area. According to the agency's weather discussion, high pressure will build today through Monday. Still, a low-pressure system is expected to gradually sweep in, bringing substantial winter precipitation starting Tuesday and continuing into Tuesday night. Only a brief respite is anticipated for Wednesday before the next disturbance arrives, threatening a more wintry mix.
The calm before the storm will feature temperatures reaching into the 40s for most parts outside of the mountains, and some areas might see those numbers push or even marginally surpass 50. However, gusty winds are also anticipated. They are expected to gust between 25 and 30 mph in the morning and taper off later in the day. The higher elevations could experience stronger gusts, approaching 45 mph in the morning. Overnight temperatures are predicted to drop in the region's 20s to 30s.
As the next system approaches, the weather service warns of increased cloud cover after sunset Monday, with temperatures dipping into the 20s to low 30s. "Heading into Tuesday, we have a favorable setup for a long duration of snow across the area," the National Weather Service discussion indicated, noting a cold thermal profile will be in place with Gulf moisture streaming in. The likely outcome is an "enhanced winter storm threat for the entire area." Accumulated snowfall could range from 3-5 inches, with local areas potentially receiving up to 6 inches by Tuesday night.
Following Wednesday's short-lived break in precipitation, the second system of the week will likely introduce a mix of freezing rain and rain Wednesday night. This system is projected to be shorter in duration, moving out by Thursday morning. Forecasts hint at a period of dry weather through Friday before another powerful system could bring more than an inch of rainfall during the weekend, raising concerns of flooding as rain falls on top of the existing snowpack. Winds may also strengthen significantly behind this system, with potential impacts lasting into early the next week.
In aviation, IFR/LIFR conditions are expected to improve throughout Sunday, transitioning from MVFR to VFR by sunrise. Gusty Northwest winds are predicted, though these should ease as the day progresses. Pilots are cautioned to expect sub-VFR conditions by Tuesday, with an extended period of snow into Wednesday and a potential icy mix in some terminals. A brief hiatus in poor weather is forecasted for Wednesday before another plunge into wintry conditions Wednesday night.
Mariners should heed as strong Northwest winds are anticipated this morning, with Small Craft Advisories (SCAs) in place until 6 PM EST. These advisories cover all waters and are due to alleviate heading into Monday, with lighter N/NE winds on the docket. As the region contends with the incoming systems, SCAs will likely return from Wednesday through Friday.
