Scattered snow in Maryland on Friday, ahead of dangerous cold
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are First Alert Weather Days, due to a chance of snow at first... then dangerous cold.
Snow in Baltimore late Friday
Friday begins with dry and cold weather. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-teens around sunrise, under increasing clouds. There won't be any big weather impacts during the morning commute.
However, snow showers and a few snow squalls will sweep in during the afternoon and evening with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s in many areas. Friday is a First Alert Weather Day for the risk of slick travel during the evening commute, and any plans after sunset.
Much of central and eastern Maryland will see light snow and snow showers between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. Snow could lead to some patches of ice on roadways, especially if untreated. Temperatures will plunge early Saturday morning. This will lead to a greater risk of slippery travel well after midnight, despite forecast snowfall of only a dusting to an inch. Traveling Friday night and early Saturday morning could be very slick. Please use extra caution.
Snow will be heavy in the mountains of western Maryland and accompanied by strong winds through the day. Driving on I-68 may become dangerous, particularly in Garrett County on Friday. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Garrett County.
Frigid weather in Maryland this weekend
The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has made Saturday and Sunday are First Alert Weather Days for dangerously cold wind-chill temperatures. Winds on Saturday will gust 35 to 45 mph throughout the day; even stronger on the bay and in the mountains. Localized gusts to 60 mph are possible.
An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for much of our area.
In addition, temperatures will be in the low to mid-teens as winds ramp up early Saturday morning. We'll only reach the low to mid-20s during the afternoon. Winds chills will average -15° to 0° across the metro Saturday morning. The First Alert Weather Team expects wind chills between -5° and 5° farther south and east. Dangerously cold wind-chills will continue through early Sunday morning.
While still blustery, winds won't be as strong on Sunday. But, Sunday morning will be even colder; single digits. Winds chills will drop well below zero once again. Temperatures peak in the upper teens and lower 20s on Sunday afternoon. A few more flurries or snow showers are possible late Saturday into Sunday.
A warming trend kicks into gear next week with temperatures approaching 40° by Tuesday. There is a possibility of more unsettled weather by mid-week, on into Valentine's Day weekend.