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Baltimore and other parts of central Maryland are under a winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service — but what does that mean? Here’s what to expect from the weather forecast.
Baltimore is under the advisory from 1 a.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Thursday, said Cody Ledbetter, a meteorologist at the Baltimore/Washington office of the National Weather Service.
Beginning around 1 a.m., Baltimore and the surrounding counties could see freezing rain “for a good while,” although by 10 a.m. the NWS forecasts the precipitation will be rain, instead of freezing rain.
Baltimore could see about one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulated, Ledbetter said, although some areas, such as Carroll County, could see slightly more.
“The further northwest you go, the more freezing rain it looks like,” he said.
Temperatures today have a projected high of about 42 degrees, with a low around 31 degrees overnight.
The wintry weather could make Thursday morning commutes hazardous. The National Weather Service advises motorists to slow down, and suggests that people watch their first few steps outside on steps, sidewalks and driveways.
The forecast tonight does not call for snow.
The United States is experiencing a La Niña this year — a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather conditions globally.
In this part of the United States, the La Niña means temperatures have a 33-40% chance to be warmer than usual, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration outlook. Central Maryland is likely to experience average precipitation expected for this time of year.
“La Niña will generally be warmer and drier, but there is always variability, even in those patterns,” Ledbetter said.
The winter weather advisory applies to the following counties and districts from 1 a.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Thursday:
- Baltimore and Baltimore County
- The District of Columbia
- Cecil County
- Prince George’s County
- Anne Arundel County
- Harford County
- Parts of Montgomery County
- Parts of Howard County
- Areas in Virginia including Prince William, Manassas Park, Falls Church and Arlington
On Wednesday afternoon, Towson University announced its campus would not open until 10 a.m. Thursday because of inclement weather.
This story may be updated.
Cody.boteler@thebaltimorebanner.com
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Cody Boteler is a reporter on The Banner’s Express Desk, reporting on breaking news, trending stories and interesting things in and around Baltimore. His work has appeared in The Baltimore Sun, USA TODAY, Baltimore magazine and others.
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