Life-Threatening Cold Returns To MD This Weekend, Forecasts Warn

Forecasters are warning Maryland residents to brace for another round of dangerously cold weather this weekend, as well as strong winds and a chance of another round of snow.

According to the latest forecast from AccuWeather, an Arctic front is expected to sweep from the Great Lakes into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states Friday into Saturday, bringing possible snow squalls, damaging wind gusts and a return to bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills.

While the greatest chance for snow will likely be in far western Maryland, where a winter storm watch is in effect Friday into Saturday, the Baltimore region could still see some accumulation, especially along and north of Interstate 66/Route 50.

In a forecast discussion released Wednesday, the National Weather Service said areas of Maryland east of the Alleghenies and along the Interstate 95 corridor will also likely see winds topping 40 to 45 mph on Friday and Saturday as the front moves through the state.

On top of the wind, temperatures throughout the state are expected to plummet, posing significant safety risks to Marylanders who are still trying to clear roads, driveways and sidewalks from ice that accumulated from the last winter storm.

Low temperatures are expected to drop back into the single digits and teens Friday night, with highs Saturday struggling to get out of the teens and mid-20s. Lows on Saturday night will also be in the single digits with widespread subzero wind chills late Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning.

Gusty winds will not only exacerbate the dangerous wind chills, forecasters warned, but could also cause isolated tree damage and power outages.

According to forecasters, wind chills as low as those predicted this weekend will pose a "life-threatening" risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin.

"Have a cold-weather survival kit if traveling. Limit time outdoors and cover exposed skin if outside," the National Weather Service wrote. "Ensure pets and livestock have adequate protection from the cold, take steps to prevent frozen pipes, and avoid traveling on frozen bodies of water where ice thickness is uncertain."

If going outside during cold weather is unavoidable, to prevent frostbite or hypothermia, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves, and wear a hat and mouth cover to reduce heat loss.

Also, stay dry. If clothing gets wet, change into a dry set as soon as you can. Wet clothing loses its ability to insulate and actually transmits heat away from the body more quickly.

• RELATED: How To Prepare, Safety Tips For Winter Storms In MD

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

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. North wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 31. North wind 5 to 9 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. Light northwest wind.

Friday: A chance of snow after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of snow, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 24. Blustery.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 8.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 22.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32.