MD Snow Forecast Shifts As Potential Nor'easter Nears East Coast

Maryland's first accumulating mountain snow of the season is still expected later this week, but forecasters have lowered snowfall estimates and reduced rain chances as a developing East Coast storm approaches.

For much of the state, the bigger change will be the cold. After temperatures reach the 60s Wednesday and Thursday, highs will struggle to climb above 50 degrees Friday and Saturday, with gusty winds making conditions feel even chillier.

The National Weather Service's latest forecast discussion, issued Wednesday morning, says the approaching system has been trending drier since Monday, reducing expected rainfall and mountain snow totals.

In the Baltimore region, Thursday's rain chances have dropped to around 50 percent, and Friday is now expected to be mostly sunny, although windy and much colder.

Will Maryland See A Nor'easter?

A storm developing over the central United States is expected to strengthen as it moves east, bringing rain to major Northeast cities and wet snow to higher elevations from the southern Appalachians into New England.

However, AccuWeather reported that the system is unlikely to produce widespread nor'easter conditions because it will spend much of its journey inland.

The storm could briefly develop some nor'easter characteristics late Friday night into Saturday after reaching the Northeast coast, but it is not expected to produce the prolonged coastal flooding and beach erosion associated with stronger storms earlier this fall.

For Maryland, the primary impacts will be rain Thursday, snow in the western mountains and gusty northwest winds as colder air arrives.

The NWS also warns that strong offshore winds could push water away from portions of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal waterways Friday into early next week, producing unusually low water levels that could affect navigation.

Maryland Snow Forecast: What's Changed?

Western Maryland's mountains remain the most likely part of the state to see accumulating snow.

The NWS expects approximately 1 to 2 inches across the Allegheny Mountains, although snowfall estimates have decreased since Monday.

That includes higher elevations in Garrett County and portions of western Allegany County, where rain could change to snow late Thursday night as colder air arrives.

The NWS identifies late Thursday night through Friday evening as the main accumulation period, with snow showers gradually tapering Saturday.

According to the agency's Wednesday hazardous weather briefing, temperatures may initially be too warm for much snow to accumulate during the day Friday except along the highest ridges.

By Friday night, temperatures could fall into the upper 20s to around 30 degrees, allowing snow to cover roads and other surfaces. Travel disruptions are possible, particularly where winds gust up to 40 mph.

AccuWeather similarly expects many higher-elevation communities across the Appalachians to receive a slushy coating to a couple of inches, with greater amounts possible along the highest ridges.

For central Maryland, including Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Towson and the Washington suburbs, accumulating snow is not expected.

Coldest Air Of The Season Arrives

Marylanders who don't see snow will still feel the effects of the approaching cold front.

Temperatures will fall Thursday night as northwest winds strengthen behind the departing system.

In Baltimore, highs are expected to drop from the mid-60s Thursday to around 50 degrees Friday. Winds could gust up to 35 mph, making it feel even colder.

Saturday will remain chilly, with highs in the upper 40s across much of the Baltimore region before temperatures recover slightly on Sunday.

AccuWeather says the storm will usher in some of the coldest weather of the season across the eastern United States, with blustery conditions making it feel colder than the actual air temperature.

The NWS also says many locations outside urban centers and tidal shorelines could experience their first freeze of the season by early next week.

Sunday and Monday nights could be particularly cold as winds diminish, allowing temperatures to fall into the lower 30s in many communities.

Residents with sensitive outdoor plants may want to take precautions before temperatures drop.

Detailed Baltimore-Area Forecast

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm winds becoming southeasterly around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a slight chance of rain after 4 a.m. Low around 50. Southeast winds of 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday: A chance of rain in the morning, followed by a chance of showers in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. West winds increasing to 11 to 16 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a chance of showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Low around 40. Breezy, with northwest winds of 17 to 20 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, windy and much cooler, with a high near 52. Northwest winds of 16 to 18 mph, gusting up to 30 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.