Maryland Residents Brace for Late-Week Freeze and Rain
After a brief mid-week warmup, a storm system will drive temperatures into the 40s and bring the first measurable snow to western peaks by Friday.
By Anthony Foster ·
A storm system is set to disrupt the Maryland forecast late in the workweek, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and wet conditions to the region. The shift marks a distinct turn from the mild start of the week, with cold air masses pushing southward as the calendar moves toward the weekend.
The week begins with a reinforcing push of cooler air on Monday. Forecasters expect a cool, sunny, and breezy day across the state. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 50s and lower 60s. Winds will occasionally gust to 30 miles per hour, adding to the chill factor. By 8 p.m. on Monday, temperatures will fall into the 40s. The cold deepens overnight, with many areas bottoming out in the mid to upper 30s by Tuesday sunrise.
A mid-week warmup provides a temporary reprieve. Tuesday will be the warmest day of the week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 60s. Wednesday remains pleasant, offering lots of sunshine and highs in the mid-60s. This stability lasts until Thursday, when the weather pattern begins to change noticeably.
The cold surge settles in on Thursday as the storm system approaches. A noticeable temperature drop accompanies the arrival of wet weather. Light rain and drizzle are expected to arrive as early as midday Thursday. The precipitation continues into Friday, with conditions becoming more complex in specific parts of the state.
Wintry weather is likely to mix with the rain from Friday into Saturday. This combination is most probable in far northern and western Maryland. The first measurable snow of the season is possible across the highest elevations in the west. In Baltimore, a cold rain is the most likely outcome, though forecasters note that some alterations to the model are possible as data updates arrive.
As the week ends, the cold persists. Overnight temperatures will drop into the upper 20s and lower 30s. Afternoon highs will settle into the 40s and lower 50s by the following workweek. The forecast indicates the weather will dry out after this initial cold snap, but the late-week storm will leave a lasting impression on the regional climate.
