Baltimore is waking up to a calm, almost deceptive Saturday morning, with temperatures around 40°F and partly sunny skies on February 21, 2026, along with a light northwest breeze. Highs are expected to climb close to 49°F this afternoon, but that quiet setup will not last long as a coastal system moves in overnight.
Storm Timing and Threat
A Winter Storm Watch covers much of central and northern Maryland from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, and forecasters say the heaviest snow and roughest travel are likely late Sunday night into Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Precipitation should start Sunday morning as rain or a rain and snow mix, then flip to mainly snow Sunday evening, with the bulk of the accumulation coming overnight. Several inches are possible in spots, with 5 inches or more in parts of central and northern Maryland. Expect wet, heavy snow that can turn roads slow and slushy and make the Monday morning commute a mess.
City Preparations and Resources
Baltimore City officials say crews have already pretreated bridges, ramps, and major arterials and have set up an online Snow Center with parking and shelter details. Residents are being urged to move vehicles off snow emergency routes and to sign up for BMORE Alerts, according to the City of Baltimore. The city has activated warming centers and Code Purple outreach for people experiencing homelessness and plans to open select city garages for free parking during the storm. For storm-related help or information on shelters and services, residents can call 311 or use the Balt311 app.
Plan Ahead For The Commute
Travel will likely turn slow and hazardous Sunday night into Monday morning, so avoid unnecessary trips if you can and build in extra time if you must drive. Boaters should keep an eye on conditions as the pressure gradient tightens over the bay, and air travelers should check with their airlines for any schedule changes. The National Weather Service is also flagging gusty northwest winds behind the system that could make Monday feel especially raw and blustery. Keep checking local forecasts and city alerts, since the exact storm track and snowfall totals can still shift a bit as the system closes in.
