Freezing rain is glazing parts of Baltimore on Tuesday morning, turning bridges and other elevated surfaces into the likeliest spots for slick conditions during the rush. Temperatures are hovering near freezing now but are expected to climb above 32°F by mid-morning, which should flip most of the precipitation to plain rain. Drivers and transit riders should bank on slower-than-usual travel and build in extra time.
Advisory Expanded
The National Weather Service has expanded a Winter Weather Advisory into parts of northeastern Maryland, including portions of Baltimore County, through the late morning hours. The advisory calls for a light glaze, mainly on bridges and other elevated surfaces. According to NWS Baltimore/Washington, most of the city is expected to see little or no ice accumulation, but untreated stairs, decks, and overpasses can still be hazardous. Forecasters updated the advisory wording early this morning as precipitation shifted over to freezing rain in many locations.
Timing And What To Expect
Freezing rain should gradually transition to regular rain as temperatures rise toward a high near 43°F this afternoon. A second round of steadier rain is possible this evening, with patchy fog developing overnight. Hourly guidance keeps precipitation chances high through the morning commute, but only minor new snow, under half an inch in most spots, is expected. That means surface temperatures will largely determine where icy patches hang on. Keep headlights on for reduced visibility and watch for slick ramps and bridges, even after most roads simply turn wet.
Later This Week
This first-half nuisance looks short-lived. Forecasters, along with an earlier Hoodline briefing, point to a rapid warming trend from Wednesday into the weekend, with highs climbing into the 50s and 60s and scattered rain chances along the way. Widespread 70s are not off the table by the weekend. For more background on the warmup and what to keep an eye on as a wavering front returns later in the week, see this earlier look at the slushy morning jolt and springlike rebound.
Commute Tips
If you need to be on the road this morning, treat bridges and overpasses as potentially icy and give yourself extra margin. Slower speeds and larger following distances can dramatically cut crash risk. For live road conditions and any closures, check Maryland 511/CHART before you head out: Maryland 511/CHART, and keep an eye on your transit agency for service alerts.
