Key Takeaways:
- A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for several counties in Maryland, including Carroll, Harford, Howard, Baltimore, and Cecil, due to a wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet
- An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for western Garrett County, with the potential for up to 1/2 inch of sleet and freezing rain accumulation
- Travel conditions are expected to be slippery, especially along and north of I-70, including Baltimore City
- The wintry mix is expected to change to rain in Baltimore City and nearby areas by late afternoon, with no more icing expected after the change
- The weekend is expected to be gloomy, with a gray and chilly day on Saturday and overcast weather with showers on Sunday
- Big temperature swings are expected early next week, with temperatures near 60° on Monday morning and plummeting to the upper 30s by Monday afternoon
Introduction to the Weather Pattern
An active weather pattern is setting up across Maryland, with the WJZ First Alert Weather Team declaring Friday as a First Alert Weather Day. This is due to a slick wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet that will develop in the afternoon for parts of central and northern Maryland. The Winter Weather Advisory issued for several counties, including Carroll, Harford, Howard, Baltimore, and Cecil, is a clear indication of the potential hazards associated with this weather pattern. Residents in these areas can expect slippery travel conditions, especially along and north of I-70, including Baltimore City.
Weather Conditions on Friday
Friday morning is expected to be quiet across central and eastern Maryland, with excellent travel conditions if you need to be out on the roads. However, a wintry mix of light sleet and freezing rain will develop across central and northern Maryland after lunchtime, leading to slippery travel conditions. This wintry mix will change to a chilly rain in Baltimore City and nearby areas by late afternoon, with no more icing expected after the change. In contrast, areas north of I-70, especially those well north of the city, can expect a longer period of sleet and freezing rain, leading to slick and potentially treacherous travel conditions. It is essential to be extra careful on bridges, overpasses, on and off ramps, along with driveways and sidewalks, as these areas may be particularly slippery.
Regional Variations in Weather Conditions
The impact of the storm will vary across different regions of Maryland. Areas south of Baltimore City are likely to see minimal impacts, with most of the precipitation falling as cold rain and some sleet possible as well. In contrast, areas along the PA/MD border will experience the longest duration of ice, with the greatest risk of several hundredths of an inch of ice accumulation. The wintry mix and light rain will come to an end during the overnight hours, marking the beginning of a gloomy weekend.
Weekend and Early Week Weather Forecast
The weekend is expected to be rather gloomy, with a gray and chilly day on Saturday and overcast weather with showers developing during the afternoon on Sunday. However, the biggest concern is the significant temperature swing expected early next week. Monday morning will likely begin breezy and unseasonably mild, with temperatures near 60°. Showers will be around for the morning and midday hours, but by Monday afternoon, gusty winds will howl, and temperatures will plummet into the upper 30s. The winds may gust 25 to 35 mph, making it feel even colder. The cold temperatures will continue into Tuesday, with wind and bitterly cold temperatures likely. Feels-like temperatures will likely drop into the single digits and teens, with winds gusting over 40 mph in some locations.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the active weather pattern setting up across Maryland is expected to bring slippery travel conditions, especially along and north of I-70, including Baltimore City. The wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet will change to rain in some areas, but the risk of ice accumulation remains, particularly in areas north of I-70. The weekend will be gloomy, and the significant temperature swing early next week will bring unseasonably mild temperatures followed by plummeting temperatures and gusty winds. It is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period. By understanding the regional variations in weather conditions and staying up-to-date with the latest forecast, residents can plan accordingly and minimize the risks associated with this weather pattern.
