Baltimore residents are bracing for a rollercoaster of weather conditions today, with a warm front swiftly followed by a cold front, bringing the potential for both flooding and blizzard conditions. The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC provided an update early this morning, forecasting the warm front to lift by afternoon, to be succeeded by a sharp dip in temperatures and high winds as an Arctic high-pressure system builds in the north-central U.S. this week.
According to the National Weather Service, gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph this afternoon when a powerful cold front marches through the region. Amid the transition, there's a flood watch for hydrologically sensitive areas and a blizzard warning west of the Allegheny Front due to an expected period of upslope snow. With high FROUDE numbers indicating a high likelihood for spillover, impacted individuals should prepare for potential road closures and visibility issues.
Looking ahead, Monday and Tuesday promise notably colder temperatures across Baltimore. Attention is firmly fixed on the potential for a significant winter storm around February 20th. The details remain in the air, but abundant cold air, moisture, and energy present a significant risk of impactful winter weather.
For those on the waters, the weather service warns of a storm warning with wind gusts possibly reaching storm force as the cold front moves in this afternoon. Mariners are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on the rapidly changing conditions. After the front moves offshore, gales will likely persist until Monday, with small craft advisories stretching into Tuesday.
For aviators, the low visibility and potential for elevated convection could disrupt operations at metro terminals, particularly around daybreak. The cold front's procession will likely improve conditions later today, though FROPA is expected to accompany a significant rise in wind gusts.
Residents and travelers should monitor local forecasts and prepare for the week's tumultuous weather, including the possible encroachment of a winter storm by mid-week. While the certainty of snowfall remains to be seen, the potential for disruption is clearly on the horizon.
