Baltimore residents, brace yourselves for a sudden shift in weather as the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC outlines a dramatic change in the forecast. According to the weather report, the city is expecting an Arctic front to surge through, dropping temperatures back into the 20s and ushering in a wintry mix of snow and strong winds. With high pressure building in for the first half of next week, there's a sliver of solace in an otherwise turbulent forecast.
The approach of an upper-level disturbance is set to transform Baltimore's skyline from partly cloudy to possibly a canvas for flurries and gusts; this disturbance is expected to morph into a shorter wavelength open wave, bringing about increased precipitation late Saturday afternoon into the night, the National Weather Service predicts. VFR flight conditions are on hold with the incoming weather, as snow begins to blanket areas around the Alleghenies into the evening, escalating in intensity and demanding winter storm advisories in some counties, with up to 8 inches of snow anticipated in western Garrett and western Grant counties. Meanwhile, the I-95 corridor holds its breath, prepping for the forecasted snowfall kick-off between roughly 11 PM and 7 AM.
Travelers and locals are warned of treacherous conditions as the weekend unfolds. Snow and wind gusts around 35 mph are likely to amplify the chill, pushing wind chill values down to single digits and teens. Aviation traffic will be navigating turbulent conditions, with a couple of inches of accumulation possible, particularly at airports such as BWI, MTN, DCA, and IAD. As Sunday breaks, a stark cold front is set to sweep the discomfort aside, albeit briefly, as Gale Warnings warn of a rough day on the water for the region's sailors and fisherfolk.
Looking ahead, the bitter cold gripping Baltimore will yield to a more temperate pattern, with highs Wednesday looking to push back into the mid 40s and low 50s, the National Weather Service further predicts, a harbinger of rain showers midweek which might come as a relief, yet no cause for full respite as the mercurial skies prove themselves an ever-volatile canvas for the elements, and as Marylanders navigate their days, one eye always fixed on the horizon, we're reminded that our plans are at the mercy of these capricious atmospheric tides.
