Maryland Weather: Two chances for snow, bitter cold temps coming

BALTIMORE -- Expect a rain and snow mix this afternoon & evening; a more significant winter storm is possible Sunday night into Monday.

Today will bring mostly cloudy skies and the potential of winter weather this afternoon and evening. There is a chance for rain and snow showers this afternoon. While we are not forecasting major snow accumulations, roads and sidewalks may become slippery & messy, especially toward this evening as temperatures fall. High temperatures today will top out near 40 degrees. Today is a WJZ First Alert Weather Day, so please be extra careful while traveling in this messy weather.

This upcoming storm system will exits after 9 PM, bringing clearing skies and bitterly cold temperatures and wind overnight. By Saturday morning, temperatures will drop into the mid-20s.

Blustery and cold conditions are expected on Saturday, prompting a WJZ First Alert Weather Day. Strong winds combined with cold temperatures will make it feel like the 20s, even as highs struggle to climb out of the lower 30s. Overnight lows on Saturday will dip near 20 degrees.

Sunday will be mostly sunny but cold, with highs in the mid-30s. A strong storm system is forecast to develop to our west and approach the region by late Sunday. Clouds will increase Sunday night, with light snow likely developing after midnight.

The snow will intensify overnight, potentially causing significant travel issues for the Monday morning commute. While it's too early to provide specific snowfall totals, many locations could see over 3 to 4 inches of accumulation. Based on the latest storm track, the heaviest snow is expected across central and southern Maryland, where sleet and freezing rain may mix in over far southern areas.

Farther north, closer to the Pennsylvania border, snowfall totals are projected to be lighter but still impactful. With temperatures in the low to mid-20s during the event, accumulations are likely, making a plowable snow probable. Untreated roads will be slick and hazardous throughout Monday.

Snow will taper off from west to east during the day on Monday, with dry conditions returning by Monday night. However, the combination of very cold temperatures and refreezing will create slick road conditions into Tuesday morning.

Tuesday will bring plenty of sunshine, but it will remain cold, with highs near 30 degrees. Overnight lows will dip into the teens. Highs on Wednesday will again reach near 30 degrees.

The coldest air of the season is expected to arrive late in the week. Highs on Thursday will struggle to get out of the mid-20s, with overnight lows dipping well into the teens Thursday and Friday. Subfreezing temperatures will persist through Friday night, keeping the region chilly into next weekend.