2 Rounds Of Snow Possible In MD Ahead Of Christmas: Forecast

Two storm systems could bring a wintry mix to Maryland drivers during the busy Christmas week travel period, even as the region flirts with highs of 50 degrees several days, according to forecasters.

The first round of precipitation should arrive late Monday night into early Tuesday morning, with snow most likely between 10 p.m. Monday and a mix of rain and snow possible through 7 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. Drivers will have to contend with rain between 7 an 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

And while a white Christmas is unlikely, there is a slight chance of rain and snow between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Wednesday night, the NWS said. The high temperature on Christmas Day is expected to reach 50 degrees, so any precipitation then will be in the form of rain.

"Light rain, maybe a touch of non-accumulating wintry mix, is possible late tonight (after 2 or 3 a.m.) into Tuesday morning," said The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. "Warmer Tuesday through Christmas Day with highs generally near to above 50. Maybe a rain shower Christmas morning."

"Travelers taking to the roads later Monday night or Tuesday morning should heed any roadway restrictions or warnings in place and give themselves extra time to reach their destination," Accuweather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said for travelers heading further north.

Here's the full forecast for the coming week, according to the National Weather Service:

Monday Night: A slight chance of snow before 10pm, then a chance of snow after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 36. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow before 7am, then a chance of rain between 7am and noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. West wind 3 to 8 mph. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of rain and snow between 1am and 4am, then a slight chance of rain after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Christmas Day: A chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Friday: Rain. High near 42. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night: Rain likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Cloudy, with a high near 47.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 50%.