The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC has laid out the latest forecast for the Baltimore area, predicting a medley of weather conditions through the end of the week. As high pressure from the Midwest moves in, Baltimore residents can expect a respite from strong winds today. However, temperatures will hover in the lower to mid-40s, a result of continued cold air advection and an overcast sky. Winds won't be as strong due to anticyclonic low-level curvature and somewhat relaxed gradient, says the forecast, indicating that Friday will bring gustier conditions with wind chill values hitting around freezing or below in certain areas.
Tonight, Baltimoreans are warned of a period of convective snow showers expected to bring snow accumulations of 3-4 inches across western Grant and western Pendleton Counties, prompting the issuance of a Winter Weather Advisory by the National Weather Service for those zones. Given strong forcing, decreasing stability, and very cold temperatures/high SLRs, a period of snow accumulation is expected tonight. Details from the forecast express. Friday night will see the high-pressure system settling over the region, which will lead to particularly frigid conditions overnight.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Baltimore will see increasing clouds Saturday night as another system moves in from the west. Light snow accumulations are possible by Sunday morning to the west of I-81, with a potential light wintry mix in the central Blue Ridge Mountains and central Shenandoah River Valley. Forecasters are waiting for further clarity on precipitation types and amounts for this timeframe, but it's clear that the weather pattern is shifting once again.
For Sunday, all eyes are on a shortwave and attendant area of low pressure that could bring rain or, in some areas, a brief period of freezing rain. Various sources of guidance differ with respect to how quickly precipitation will break out, the forecasters note, acknowledging the uncertainty associated with the system. Despite the potential for a messy mix over the weekend, rainfall amounts are predicted to be on the lighter side. Quieter weather is on deck for Monday, with mostly cloudy skies and highs in the 40s.
Aviation and marine operations should anticipate the varied conditions as well. Blustery west-northwest winds are predicted at the Baltimore Airport today with gusts up to 20 kt, and reaching up to 30 kt on Friday. High pressure will bring calmer conditions on Friday night. On the water, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect for multiple zones through early Friday, while a Wind Advisory is in place for several counties until 11 AM EST today. As we move into Sunday and Monday, shifts in wind direction are likely to affect marine conditions further.
