Polar Vortex To Bring 'Dangerous' Temps, Snow To MD

BALTIMORE, MD — Two rounds of snow are forecast in the coming days before part of the polar vortex dips into the Lower 48 states, bringing bitter and dangerously cold temperatures to Maryland.

Snow showers could bring a coating of snow to area roadways Thursday afternoon and evening, potentially disrupting the PM commute, according to the National Weather Service. Not much accumulation is possible, but grassy surfaces could see a light coating.

Another chance of snow is possible on Sunday and could follow light rain showers on Saturday. According to forecasters, the system could develop into a winter storm with the greatest chance for snowfall during the late morning hours into the afternoon.

"Some models have shown the potential for an inch or two of accumulation, but confidence in that is still pretty low," the Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast.

Sunday will be the day to break out the winter coats, hats and mittens if you haven't already done so.

According to forecasts, the polar vortex — a stormy ring that typically keeps the coldest air locked up near the North Pole — will dip south into the United States and arrive in the Baltimore area by the end of the weekend.

Temperatures on Sunday will reach the 30s before falling into the mid-20s on Monday. Lows will plunge into the single digits before the most frigid temperatures arrive Tuesday. According to the NWS, Tuesday will see a high of 20 degrees and a low of 9.

"Dangerously cold wind chills are likely at times Sunday night through Wednesday morning. Now is the time to take precautionary measures to ensure you, pets, livestock, and property are ready for the cold," NWS forecasters said.

Here's a look at the detailed Baltimore-area forecast through Tuesday:

Thursday: Scattered snow showers before 3pm, then scattered rain and snow showers between 3pm and 4pm, then a slight chance of snow showers after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 33. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night: Scattered snow showers before 9pm, then scattered flurries between 9pm and 10pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 27. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 6 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 32. South wind 5 to 8 mph.

Saturday: A chance of rain and snow before 10am, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Sunday: A chance of snow after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 25.

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

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.