Greater Snow Chances For Rest Of Winter 2020 In MD: NOAA

MARYLAND — Residents should brace themselves for a snowier winter than the mild season they've seen so far, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It seems higher than average wet weather will continue through spring into summer, too.

Phillip Stratton, assistant Maryland state climatologist based out of the University of Maryland, College Park, said that based upon data indications in December, the rest of the winter poses a slight chance for above normal total precipitation. The latest outlook from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center also calls for above average chances of wetter than normal conditions for the rest of the winter, which means more precipitation can be expected after a fairly dry December.

The Weather Channel says nearly the entire country will be warmer than normal in January.

"The only area where below average temperatures are anticipated in the first month of the year is from northern Montana into northern Idaho and far northeastern Washington,"the January outlook from the Weather Channel says.

The mild temperatures are due to a strong polar vortex, an area of low pressure over the poles, forecasters explain.

The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts rain with that precipitation converting over to snow for the next two weeks. Cold temperatures are expected. More rain is anticipated the week of Jan. 17 with snow showers the week of Jan. 24. The north half of the state is supposed to see snow Jan. 29-31 and the southern half will need to bust out the umbrellas for rain.

That prediction contradicts the forecast from the rival Farmers' Almanac, which says the upcoming winter will be colder than normal. The folks at the Farmers' Almanac are preparing for a "frosty, wet and white" winter season.

Spring in Maryland likely will see milder and wetter conditions, which are expected to continue into summer. The odds favor a warmer and wetter than normal growing season, according to NOAA. Stratton said temperatures likely will range in the 50s March through May with an increased chances of above normal total precipitation. Summertime will be warmer than normal, Stratton note, with an increase in average total precipitation.