What a weird Winter across central Maryland so far. It's actually been more like Spring around here with rain and severe weather compared to snow. Since December 1st we have received a little over 8.59" of rain and 5 confirmed tornadoes. Since 2020 began we have had 19 out of the last 42 days with measurable rainfall. Yes we are talking rain not snow which has been hard to come by this year in Baltimore and for many cities along the I-95 stretch.
We are currently a midst a snow drought with only 1.8" of snow for the year which ties us for 3rd place when it comes to snow-less winters in Central Maryland. Our last measurable snowfall was 24 days ago back on January 7th, 2020 where we picked up 1.2" down at the airport. Some cities such as Washington DC and Philadelphia haven't even made an inch of snow for the year which is a far contrast from 6 years ago when some of these locations were digging 6"+.
This week's weather pattern continues to remain no different. More rain and no snow. Another stalled frontal boundary with multiple waves of rain continuing in the forecast through late week. Rain showers are currently overspreading the area from the south and west tonight as a warm front lifts north early Thursday morning.
This warm front will bring temperatures up and over the 60 degree mark into the afternoon hours before a quick crash heading into the Valentine's Day holiday. Rain will be heavy in pockets early Thursday into the midday period before the Spring-time rise in temperature and ultimate fall as we head into the evening once the front passes. Winds will pick up out of the south before changing to the northwest with gusts of 25-35 mph Thursday afternoon and into the day Friday as cold air rushes in.
It's been 376 days since we have had a high temperature of 32 degrees or below in Baltimore. It marks our 5th longest stretch between freezing or below freezing highs on record in Baltimore. We try to challenge that for the start of the new weekend ahead with a forecast high of 35 degrees on Friday and 34 degrees on Saturday. Canadian high pressure settles in Friday and Saturday bringing dangerous wind chills to the northern tier while we just get a glancing blow. Valentine's Day wind chills in Baltimore look to bottom out in the low to mid teens making for a "Layer and Cuddle Alert" with that special someone.
Temperatures rebound come Sunday as high pressure slides east. Highs will be around 50 degrees before hopping over the mark Monday and Tuesday. More rain and another cold shot follow midweek.
Long range 8-14 day trends continue to depict limited Winter with above average temperature, short spells of cold, and above average precipitation. Stay tuned as our days grow longer and the march to Spring continues.
