Bitter cold and more snow forecast for Maryland
BALTIMORE -- Winter has settled across Maryland and is expected to stick around for a while. A fast-moving Clipper system moved through the region Friday. This system brought a few areas around a half inch of snow going into the first weekend of the year.
Saturday will bring a mix of clouds and sunshine, accompanied by breezy northwest winds gusting over 30 mph at times. High temperatures will reach the low 30s, but the strong winds will create wind chills that feel like the teens.
Winds ease some later on Saturday heading into Sunday, which may make Sunday the better half of the weekend. By Sunday morning, temperatures will dip to around 20 under partly to mostly cloudy skies. Clouds will thicken throughout the day as the next storm system approaches from the west.
Late Sunday storm expected to bring snow
A winter storm watch has been issued for all of Maryland ahead of our next storm, which starts late Sunday night.
Snow will begin pushing into the area from the west late Sunday night, gradually increasing in coverage and intensity through Monday morning.
The heaviest snow is expected during Monday morning's rush hour. Widespread cancellations and delays are likely, as the storm will significantly impact travel across the region.
While some details remain uncertain, some areas could see more than 6 inches of snow. The heaviest snowfall is currently expected along the I-70 corridor. It does appear (as of Saturday morning) that the area of heaviest snow could be shifting south. As we get closer to the start of snow Sunday evening, we will get a better idea of where the heaviest accumulations will be but one thing is for certain - disruptions to everyday activities are anticipated from late Sunday night through Tuesday.
Some areas may see lower snow totals if freezing rain or sleet mixes in.
High temperatures on Monday will barely reach 30 degrees, with lows Tuesday morning dropping into the upper teens to near 20. Wind chills will be even colder, in the low teens.
Frigid week ahead
A return to a mix of clouds and sunshine is expected from Tuesday through Friday. However, some of the coldest air of the season will settle over the region.
High temperatures will remain below freezing from Tuesday through Friday, with overnight lows dipping well into the teens. The coldest morning will likely be Thursday, when wind chills could fall to zero or below in some areas.
The cold weather will persist into next weekend, with highs in the 30s. Another storm system may bring additional wintry weather to the area late next weekend.
Stay tuned for updates as the forecast develops, and take necessary precautions to prepare for this extended period of winter weather.
