Baltimore residents can enjoy a brief bout of calm weather today before a wintry mix and an Arctic chill set to descend on the region. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, designed high pressure to the south is expected to bring a peaceful weather period through this evening. However, this reprieve will be short-lived as a series of disturbances is forecasted to bring snowfall potential from tonight through Sunday night, most prominently along the mountainous regions.
As the National Weather Service reports, a few pesky systems may bring snow chances tonight through Sunday night, but details are still up in the air. Moreover, the frigid conditions are anticipated to reach their peak early next week, with the Arctic outbreak potentially setting in by Monday night into Tuesday. Cities like Baltimore, bracing for the cold, have to expect temperatures several degrees below the seasonal average.
Regarding the anticipated snow, areas such as western Grant and western Garrett Counties seem most favored due to low FROUDE numbers and a south-of-west low-level wind direction, resulting in the issue of a Winter Weather Advisory effective from this evening to Saturday afternoon. The weather system will likely produce varied snowfall, which extends beyond the mountains, although accumulating snow further east may be complicated by warmer atmospheric temperatures and quick-moving weather systems.
Looking to the early parts of next week, the forecast from the National Weather Service suggests an Arctic outbreak is likely early next week, bringing significantly lower temperatures throughout Maryland and beyond. Highs on Monday could struggle to climb out of the 30s, with lows plunging into the single digits or even below zero in certain areas. It's important to note for Baltimore's residents that wind chill values are expected to add an extra bite to the already frigid conditions, potentially reaching the teens or even lower on Monday night.
Travel and general aviation may also see impacts from the shifting weather with possible snow or rain/snow mix affecting the area by Saturday morning as reported by the National Weather Service's aviation forecast. Flight conditions are expected to remain primarily VFR from Monday through Thursday, but gusty northwest winds following an Arctic front may present challenges early in the week. For those on the water, a Small Craft Advisory is in place for the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal waters, cautioning mariners of the heightened wind conditions expected ahead of and following the passage of a cold front.
