The Baltimore-DC area might experience another bout of winter weather this week, as meteorologists predict two potential snow events later in the week. Light snowfall was reported in parts of western Maryland on Saturday, while Dulles Airport in Northern Virginia received over an inch of rain.
The first storm is expected to arrive on Wednesday, as a coastal system develops, bringing a mix of rain and snow to the region.
Forecasters caution that the storm’s intensity and characteristics are uncertain, with the jet stream’s position playing a key role in determining whether the area will see light rain, a dusting of snow, or a more substantial storm.
According to Accuweather, “If the storm tracks further east, it may move out to sea, resulting in snow showers for parts of the interior Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. Conversely, a storm that stays closer to the coast could bring snow to much of the mid-Atlantic and southeastern New England later in the week.”
The National Weather Service anticipates rain in the Baltimore-DC area on Wednesday, possibly mixing with snow overnight into early Thursday.
Forecasters indicate that the availability of cold air and moisture after the first storm will influence how the subsequent front develops.
The Capital Weather Gang reports that the likelihood of significant snow on Thursday is decreasing, although there remains a chance for a second storm system to bring snow on Saturday.
“Colder-than-normal temperatures are expected from Friday through Sunday. Saturday could see temperatures nearing 40 degrees, but snow or rain showers may occur as another cold front approaches, particularly at night. While we are monitoring the possibility of snow showers on Thursday, the storm may develop too far northeast to yield substantial accumulation. Another chance for snow showers may arise late Saturday.”
Due to the high variability, forecasters have yet to provide estimates for potential snowfall totals. They also noted that it’s possible the region may not receive any snow at all.
Following a midweek high in the low 50s, overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, according to the NWS.
Here’s the latest weather forecast for Maryland from the National Weather Service:
Monday Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high around 45. Southwest winds at 7 to 9 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low near 33. Light winds from the west.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 49. Calm winds shifting to the south at 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Southwest winds at about 6 mph.
Wednesday
Chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 51. Calm winds shifting to the south around 5 mph. Precipitation chance is 40%.
Wednesday Night
Rain likely before 4 AM, possibly mixed with snow. Cloudy, with a low around 32. Precipitation chance is 70%. Little to no snow accumulation is expected.
Thursday
Chance of rain, mixing with snow after 7 AM, then gradually tapering off. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. Precipitation chance is 30%.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 35.
