Just think 4 years ago we were buried up to our knees in snow thanks to the "Great Maryland Blizzard of 2016." The blizzard dumped over 20"+ of snow across the state including at BWI Airport where over 29.2" of snow fell during a two day period (January 22-24th, 2016). Fast forward a few years later and instead of snow we are talking about a snow drought.
Currently we are tied for third place with 1.8" of snow this 2019-2020 season with February still to come. The long range pattern though does not look promising as the storm track remains well to our west putting us in a favorable southerly flow which means rain not snow. Overall the next 8-14 days stay warmer and wetter than average which has been the overall definitive trend the last few weeks.
The warm and wet pattern is even evident this week. Most of the week so far has been cold with highs in the 30s. The cold has even reached as far south as Florida leading to falling iguanas and observed temperatures that have not been seen across the state in more than 5-10 years.
Here in Baltimore both Tuesday and Wednesday morning yielded lows in the teens and air temperatures rebounding back toward 40 degrees. We get close to 50 degrees by Thursday and Friday before hopping the mark Saturday as the next storm system rolls in.
Once again though it will be a storm system that carries rain not snow based upon the warming trend and inland storm track. The heaviest rain comes in late Friday night and carries us through Saturday morning before the storm heads into New England. Skies may clear a bit late Saturday as colder air wraps back in. Upslope snow showers will kick up over the mountains with some decent accumulations at the ski resorts before the weekend is out.
A few flurries may even make there way down to Baltimore Sunday morning before the drier air fully takes over. Highs will fall back into the low to mid 40s Sunday before climbing again early next week.
Monday through Wednesday look dry with highs near 50 before our next weather-maker late next week. Winter is not dead yet but currently remains on life support. There is hope though in the one month temperature trend forecast from NOAA with cooler than average temperatures arriving the first two weeks of February. Stay tuned and keep those fingers crossed for snow!!!
