Sub-Zero Wind Chills, Flurries Possible As Arctic Cold Grips MD

MARYLAND — The ongoing Arctic blast could send Maryland's wind chill below zero degrees by Wednesday morning.

A cold weather advisory was issued for early Wednesday morning. Meteorologists warned of hypothermia and a chance of isolated flurries on Tuesday. A thin coating of snow is possible in some spots. The freezing temperatures could make roads and walkways slick, but no serious accumulation is expected.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be the coldest days, but frigid temperatures will likely continue through Friday night. The weekend brings highs of 36 on Saturday and 43 on Sunday.

A chance of rain and snow is possible Sunday night into Monday.

Marylanders awoke to temperatures in the single digits Tuesday morning. A high of around 20 degrees will provide slight relief before the chill returns in the evening.

The cold blast prompted schools in Howard County and Harford County to close, while Prince George's County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore County schools started classes two hours late Tuesday.

The National Weather Service is calling for a low of 8 degrees Tuesday night at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. A slight breeze will send the real feel to -2 degrees by 7 a.m. Wednesday.

"This cold snap is coming at the climatological peak of winter when historical average temperatures hit their lowest values in many parts of the country," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty. "Since this is the heart of winter, record-low temperatures are near their lowest values as well. This may prevent widespread record-setting temperatures, but some record-low temperatures will likely be broken."

Related: How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing As Bitter Cold Blankets MD

The National Weather Service's cold weather advisory lasts from 12 a.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. Wednesday. The NWS calls for "very cold wind chills around zero to five below zero." The alert covers portions of central, northeast and northern Maryland.

"Hypothermia is possible if precautions are not taken," the advisory said. "Use caution while traveling outside. Dress in layers, and wear a hat and gloves."

Here the NWS's seven-day forecast at BWI Airport:

Tuesday: Scattered flurries after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 21. West wind around 6 mph.

Tuesday Night: Isolated snow showers before midnight. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as zero. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as -2. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9. Light south wind.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 32.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 14.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 36.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 40%.