Coastal Storm Could Bring Snow To MD Friday, Forecasters Say

MARYLAND — A clipper expected to transform into a coastal storm could bring wintry weather to the Baltimore region on Friday, including the chance of some snow.

According to AccuWeather, an "Alberta clipper" coming from the west will transform Friday as it nears the Northeast and mid-Atlantic coast.

"How quickly the clipper storm's energy transfers to a budding coastal storm will have a detrimental impact on the intensity, duration and amount of snow that falls from the mid-Atlantic coast and central Appalachians through New England," according to AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin.

The exact amount of snow that we can expect in the Baltimore metro region is not yet clear, but the National Weather Service predicts the area could see rain and snow showers before 10 a.m. Friday. Chances continue during the overnight hours.

"Friday sets up with one system developing off the coast and another approaching from the west," the Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast. "Together, they could produce a few rain or snow showers, with highs probably in the upper 30s to mid-40s. The only way we see a better chance of snow is if the system coming from the west is stronger or the system off the coast comes closer than models show."

Accuweather also warned the picture could change as the storm moves east.

"Should the coastal storm strengthen fast enough and stay just offshore, heavy snow with strong winds and blowing and drifting snow associated with a nor'easter could unfold," forecasters with the agency said.

After the storm moves through, expect cold temperatures to linger through the weekend, although skies will be mainly clear. The overnight low from Saturday into Sunday will be in the teens.

Here is the local Baltimore area forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Tonight: Rain before 1am, then a slight chance of showers between 1am and 2am. Low around 39. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 9 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Thursday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 34. Calm wind.

Friday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 10am, then a slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night: A chance of rain showers before 4am, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 31.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 19.