MD Weather Forecast: Snow, Bitter Cold Spell On The Way

BALTIMORE, MD — After a brief return to normal temperatures on Wednesday — just warm enough to let snow fall in a few counties — the rest of the week will be frigid as temperatures are expected to drop to dangerous levels in Maryland. An inch or two of snow is likely from Bel Air to Baltimore and Annapolis, making Thursday morning's commute a challenge.

Weather.com projects that temperatures will hit a low of 10 degrees on Thursday and 8 degrees on Friday in the Baltimore area, and winds will be 23 and 24 miles per hour on those days, respectively. It will also be cold on Saturday with lows around 10 and highs in the upper teens before things start to warm up on Sunday.

One worrisome wrinkle in the forecast is what The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang says is the potential for a so-called “bomb cyclone” because its pressure is predicted to fall so fast as it strengthens quickly. The winter storm could rank as the most intense over the waters off the New England coast in decades.

So far, computer models show that near Interstate 95 in the Mid-Atlantic, most, if not at all, snowfall will occur east of Washington and Baltimore on Wednesday night into early Thursday, the Post writes. But movement to the west could bring some snow to both cities.

Tony Pann, a meteorologist with WBAL TV, says the normal high temperature at this time of the year is 42 degrees. He said on Twitter that if Marylanders can tough it out, good news is ahead. "Yes, it's going to be very cold and there will be a huge storm off the East Coast later this week...but let me give you some good news: The end of the Deep Freeze is in sight! Temps should get back into the 40s and 50s in MD next week."

The National Weather Service is calling for a 50 percent chance of light snow Wednesday night, mainly between 8pm and midnight, then a chance of snow after midnight. On Thursday there is a 30 percent chance of light snow, mainly before noon.

Anne Arundel County officials on Tuesday said they will keep warming shelters open until next week because of the lingering cold.

SEE ALSO: Bitter Cold Streak Keeps County Warming Centers Open To Jan. 8

Cold Weather Safety Tips, Warning Signs

Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it.

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for changes in levels of consciousness and motor coordination, indicated by stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles.

Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the impacted area. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, older adults, and individuals with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The CDC offers these tips to help cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

Also Watch: Severe Cold Continues To Assault Large Portions Of The US

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