Baltimore residents can catch a brief respite from the wintry chills today as high pressure grants a temporary calm before another bout of snow and ice hits over the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, high winds and a corresponding temperature spike preceded today's clearer skies. Specifically, Martinsburg, WV, observed a sudden gust escalating up to 30 mph and a rapid temperature rise from 34 to 48 degrees in an hour.
Despite a gusty northwesterly wind, forecasters expect the mercury to hit a relatively balmy range of mid-40s to low 50s in some parts of the region, with the south potentially seeing mid to upper 50s. But don't let the brief warmth fool you — a winter storm watch has been hoisted for parts of western Maryland, with an ice storm looming on the weekend. The biggest difference between the two systems is that this one will occur during daylight hours, the weather service predicted, foreseeing predominantly wintry mixed conditions with temperatures hovering near or below freezing through much of the event. Residents look towards the weekend and should prepare for significant disruptions due to ice accretion, especially on Saturdays when travel could become hazardous.
Sunday provides another slight break from the snow and sleet, with drier conditions expected and temperatures climbing towards the upper 40s and 50s in some areas. But it's just a prelude to what appears to be an eventful week, weather-wise. The promise of multiple disturbances signals a week replete with mixed precipitation, from snow to rain, and the potential for plowable snow on Tuesday. Locations further south will have the greatest chance of mixing with ice and/or rain, while locations further north will have the most excellent chance of staying all snow, the forecast discussion conveyed.
For Baltimore's aviation sector, Friday's clear-up is welcome news after concerns of low-level wind shear and reduced visibility early in the morning. Airport operations will likely see minor interruptions come the weekend as another wave of winter weather moves in, with lengthy restrictions anticipated and a possible transition from initial snow and sleet to mostly freezing rain. Come Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration may sigh in relief with VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions set to return before yet another sweep of sub-VFR weather and easterly winds challenge the skies on Tuesday.
The Mariners aren't left out of this weather narrative, either. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for all local waters through early evening due to the advancing cold front and substantial wind gusts. The rollercoaster of conditions will bring a contrasting calm on Saturday, followed by potentially gusty northwesterly winds on Sunday, again possibly warranting advisories. It's a seesaw of conditions on the bay, with sub-SCA north to northwesterly winds" forecasted for Monday before Tuesday shifts the wind — and the weather — yet again. It's a complex system at play this coming week — and the only certainty is change.
