Baltimore residents should brace themselves for a series of cold, windy days with a potential serving of snow, especially if you're hanging around the Allegheny Mountains. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Baltimore MD/Washington DC has issued a smattering of advisories, including a Winter Weather Advisory that's been extended into western Garrett County. Those who prefer less land beneath their feet should take heed of a Small Craft Advisory and an upcoming Gale Watch for all waters, according to the latest forecaster's discussion.
As of the wee hours today, the Baltimore area has been enjoying milder temperatures, thanks to a southerly flow that's kept the chill at bay overnight. But do not let this mildness fool you; the weather will take a bit of a nosedive by this evening. The NWS warns of light rain at lower elevations and accumulating snow in the Alleghenies, with a cold front on its heels to usher in more frigid, blustery conditions into Thursday. Areas to the east of the mountains might escape with just rain, but those higher up could see a quick coating of snow. Meanwhile, western Pendleton, western Grant, and western Garrett Counties could see 2 to 4 inches of the fluffy white stuff through tomorrow morning.
Thursday promises to be brisk. The mercury is set to plummet with high temps barely clawing above the freezing mark, and the wind chill is going to be a rather rude addition – think teens for most parts, dipping into the negatives in the mountains. If you're residing in western Pendleton and western Grant Counties, brace for wind chills so cold they warrant advisories, with double digits below zero on the forecast menu, per the National Weather Service.
Into the weekend, a low-pressure system may turn the Allegheny Mountain region into a snow globe once more, with possible travel disruptions from Friday through Saturday night. Accumulating snowfall in these parts is looking like a fair bet, but for those east of the Alleghenies, the forecast is less definitive, with a mix of brief snow not ruled out. As Sunday rolls in, temperatures dive again, and the weather pattern holds a few disturbances in store that could keep things interesting. While a "50-50 low" is teased by ensemble models into mid-next week, for the most part, whatever precipitation falls out of waves heading through the area will almost certainly be in the form of snow, the National Weather Service explains.
For our friends at sea, or those with ocean-going plans, the marine forecast discussion outlines a need for caution. Initial gusts are expected to settle, but the waters won't remain calm for long as the cold front hits and winds ramp up once again. A Small Craft Advisory is active now through tomorrow afternoon, and from there, we escalate to a Gale Watch for Thursday night. By Friday, the winds shift southward with potential SCA-level gusts stretching into the night, according to the NWS report. The weekend doesn't let up much either, as yet another cold front makes its way through, leading up to Sunday.
