Wintry Mix Possible In MD As Cold Front Arrives: Forecasters

MARYLAND — A cold front is sending temperatures plummeting in Maryland after unseasonably warm weather Wednesday blanketed the region. The National Weather Service has posted winter weather alerts across the state to prepare for the potential of ice Thursday night and Friday morning.

Temperatures reached the mid-70s in central Maryland on Wednesday, well above the average at BWI Airport of 43 degrees on Feb. 23 each year, according to the National Weather Service.

UPDATE: Winter Weather Advisories, Ice Storm Warning Issued In MD

By Wednesday night, temperatures dropped into the 30s, and Thursday's high temperature was expected to occur at midnight, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday for parts of northern and central Maryland calling for up to 0.1 inch ice and up to 0.5 inch snow and sleet.

Central Maryland may see some precipitation Thursday morning, with the likelihood increasing Thursday night into Friday morning.

"Freezing rain and sleet is possible tomorrow and Friday," the Maryland State Highway Administration said in a statement Wednesday. "If travel is essential, drive SLOWLY and leave additional room for braking!"

Western Maryland is under an iced storm warning Thursday to Friday, while the National Weather Service also placed the Eastern Shore on alert for potentially icy conditions.

Ice Storm Warning In Western MD

Allegany and Garrett counties are under an ice storm warning calling for freezing rain.

The ice storm warning for western Maryland runs from 5 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday.

Up to 0.3 inch ice and less than 1 inch of snow and sleet may accumulate, officials say, and power outages and tree damage could occur.

"Light mixed precipitation may occur at times today, but a prolonged period of freezing rain will lead to greater impacts tonight into Friday morning," the ice storm warning states. "Strong winds
will develop Friday morning and could add stress to ice-laden trees and power lines."

Eastern Shore On Ice Alert

On the Eastern Shore, icy weather is also possible.

Ice accumulations may disrupt travel in Kent County Thursday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather outlook there as well.

Freezing rain is expected in the Delmarva area Thursday into Thursday night.

Central Maryland Forecast: Wintry Mix Possible

In Baltimore, some business leaders issued a callout for people to do their part in the event of inclement weather Thursday and Friday.

"This week we have visitors from around the country in town for the CIAA Basketball Tournament, and our goal is to make the best possible impression on these guests," the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore said in a statement to its members, reminding them that clearing snow or ice in front of property is the responsibility of the property or business owner. "Should inclement weather occur, please help us in making strides toward this goal by doing your part to keep the sidewalk in front of your property clear."

As Friday progresses, temperatures will begin to warm up into the 50s before dipping into the 40s on Saturday.

Here is the forecast for Baltimore:

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Cooler with lows in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

Thursday: Cloudy with a chance of snow, rain and sleet. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation. Much cooler with highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday night: Rain with sleet likely with freezing rain, which may continue after midnight. Patchy fog in the evening and after midnight. Little or no sleet accumulation. Ice accumulation of up to 0.1 inch. Lows in the lower 30s. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Friday: Patchy and rain in the morning, then mostly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph, increasing to west 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

Friday night: Mostly clear in the evening, then mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, diminishing to around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph after midnight.

Saturday: Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s, with lows in the upper 20s.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s, with lows in the mid 20s.

Monday: Highs in the mid 30s.