Baltimoreans hoping to see some snow may be in luck, as snow showers and gusty winds are possible Wednesday into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
“Exact temperatures will be critical to any potential impact of light snowfall on Thursday morning,” the weather service said in a forecast discussion released Tuesday.
While clouds are expected to increase on Wednesday, with temperatures as high as 43 degrees, temperatures are expected to drop as a strong cold front approaches the area. A 40% chance of rain or snow showers is forecast at BWI Marshall Airport late into the night, with wind gusts as high as 31 mph. Overnight lows will be around 35.
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Winter shelters have been activated for Baltimore City and Baltimore County. During the day, the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services operates five shelters. People seeking overnight shelter must contact the emergency hotline at 443-984-9540. In the county, people seeking asylum should contact the Department of Social Services hotline at 410-887-TIME (8463).
In Maryland's mountains, a combination of powder snow and high winds overnight Wednesday into Thursday increased the chance of a blizzard, according to the weather service, which warned that travel would be difficult Thursday night.
Thursday is expected to be sunny with a daytime high of nearly 39 degrees and light winds. Winds will be from the west at 17 to 22 mph. The weather service said gusts of up to 39 mph are expected and could be gusty enough to warrant a strong wind warning.
Thursday night is expected to be sunny but cooler, with a low of about 26 degrees, and winds still strong.
By Friday, skies will be clear, but a chill will set in, with daytime highs near 38 degrees.
Temperatures have warmed slightly over the weekend, with highs expected to top 40 degrees on Saturday, with overnight temperatures dipping below freezing again. It will be sunny on Sunday with a maximum temperature of 51 degrees, turning cloudy in the evening with a minimum temperature of about 36 degrees.
Rain and showers will return by early next week, according to the weather service.
Have a news tip? Please contact Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at nzimmerman@baltsun.com.
