Baltimore residents can expect an array of weather conditions this weekend, starting with a front bringing snow to certain areas through Sunday and an Arctic outbreak poised to send temperatures plummeting next week. The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC has released an updated forecast that calls for near to below normal temperatures and multiple snow disturbances in the region. An Arctic outbreak is likely early next week, with near to below normal temperatures continuing through the remainder of the week, the forecast states.
The first snow system has already dusted parts of western Maryland and eastern West Virginia, with more snow expected before tapering off into showers later today. Additionally, residents have been advised to stay alert for possible advisory updates regarding the extent of the snow showers. Complicating the weekend weather outlook, a frontal boundary is expected to stall in the area, while a quick-moving southern wave brings additional lift and moisture.
On Sunday, light snow or a rain and snow mix might dust mainly east of the Blue Ridge, thanks to system number two—a shortwave moving in from the Deep South. Accuweather suggests that the most likely scenario involves a light coating of snow, primarily on grassy and elevated surfaces, given the fleeting nature of the system and marginal surface temperatures.
The upcoming week is set to turn even colder as a reinforcing Arctic front crosses the Mid-Atlantic by Monday. Temperatures will crash into the single digits along and west of the Blue Ridge/Catoctin Mountains by daybreak Tuesday, the forecast reports. With relentless winds to exacerbate the chill, wind chills could plummet to 15 to 30 below zero over the Appalachians come Tuesday morning.
For travelers, the weather could impact air travel with temporary MVFR or IFR conditions at northern terminals like KBWI and KMTN. While S/SW winds shifting to W/NW are expected, gusts might reach between 20 and 25 knots on Monday. Those navigating marine corridors will see similarly challenging conditions, as visibility could be reduced on Sunday due to snow or mixed precipitation, and Small Craft Advisories have been issued for parts of the Chesapeake Bay.
