Below-Zero Wind Chills, Snow Squalls In Brutal Weekend Forecast: MD Warnings Issued

An Arctic front is set to hit Maryland this weekend, bringing brutally cold temperatures, high winds, and snow to the Baltimore region.

The direct blast of frigid air will surge south Friday into Saturday, affecting more than 100 million people across multiple states, including Maryland. The harshest conditions are expected during the first half of the weekend, with snow and the strongest winds accompanying the system, according to forecasters.

Friday should start off sunny before giving way to afternoon clouds, according to The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang.

"Afternoon snow showers arrive earliest in western areas, then perhaps nearer late afternoon or sunset around the Beltway," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "Highs in the low to mid-30s should limit accumulations to a dusting."

The best chance for snow will be between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and could impact the Friday evening commute.

"If this threat does materialize, any untreated roads could quickly turn snow-covered and slippery. This could lead to hazardous traveling conditions," forecasters said. "If commuting this afternoon and evening, be aware of the possibility of significant travel disruptions."

Snow showers will be hit-or-miss into the evening hours as the Arctic front approaches. Up to a half-inch of snow is possible for the Baltimore region, forecasters said.

As the front exits the state, temperatures will plummet into the teens and strengthening winds could cause possible snow squalls.

Because of the forecasts, multiple advisories and warnings are in effect for Maryland this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

A high wind warning is in effect from 4 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday and includes Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard, Harford and Prince George's counties. According to the warning, northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with gusts possibly reaching 60 mph.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," the National Weather Service said. "Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles."

An extreme cold warning is also in effect for the entire Baltimore region starting at 4 a.m. Saturday and continuing through 10 a.m. Sunday. Meanwhile, other Maryland counties are under a cold weather advisory.

Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 10 to 15 degrees below zero are expected throughout the region, forecasters said. Wind chills will remain at or below zero during the day on Saturday due to windy conditions and cold temperatures.

"(The wind chills) could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken," National Weather Service forecasters said. "Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures."

Widespread sub-freezing temperatures are expected to persist through early next week.

"The longevity of these sub-freezing temperatures will continue to increase the risk of impacts, including to people and infrastructure," according to the National Weather Service.

Here's a look at the latest detailed forecast for the Baltimore region:

Friday: A chance of snow, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. Light southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: A chance of snow between midnight and 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 10. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 12 to 17 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -9. Windy, with a northwest wind 21 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -9. Blustery, with a northwest wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 23. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 9.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 29.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.