The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC has released a forecast discussing the increased confidence in accumulating snow for Baltimore this weekend, with a potential for significant impacts due to extreme cold and winter storms. According to the forecast, although there is variation in outcomes, a colder-than-normal pattern is likely to persist for the next couple of weeks. The Climate Prediction Center corroborates this assessment, indicating that we may be seeing the tips of a chillier iceberg.
Today, temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic are expected to be punishingly low, with the mercury barely climbing into the 20s in most lower elevations and remaining in the teens in the mountains. A very cold and in many cases blustery morning greets locals, with conditions remaining colder than normal through Wednesday, despite a slight temperature increase ahead of another cold front. The air mass is set to be extremely dry, with relative humidity (RH) values predicted to be alarmingly low. It's cold out there, folks, and it's going to stay that way for some time.
The impending weekend brings with it the potential for near-record cold, setting the stage for a significant winter storm. An Arctic front trailing close behind a potent cold front is expected to set low temperatures plummeting to single digits by late Friday and into Saturday, with wind chills reaching or dropping below zero. Near-record low temperatures are possible during this time, the National Weather Service forecast warns. The severity of the upcoming wintry blast is shaping up to be noteworthy, with the possibility of heavy snowfall from late Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
Aviation and marine operations should be prepared for the changes afoot. Elevated winds are anticipated to remain a factor until they taper off this evening, with VFR conditions dominating till mid-week. However, sub-VFR conditions are then likely at all TAF sites this weekend due to an enhanced winter storm threat across the region, the National Weather Service forecast states. Mariners aren't exempt from the windy woes, with gusts of 20-25 knots expected on tidal waters through midweek, and stronger north to northeast flows as the weekend approaches, likely necessitating Small Craft Advisories.
LWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES highlight a Cold Weather Advisory until 1 PM EST this afternoon for multiple Maryland and Virginia counties, including the extreme cold cautioning for specific high-altitude regions. Residents are advised to check the latest updates at the National Weather Service website to stay abreast of changes as this frigid front bears down on Baltimore and surrounding areas.
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