January 16, 2024

Tuesday Morning Update

The snow drought is over for Baltimore, and it ended with a daily record! I’ve been reading comments from many who were excited about hearing a snowplow for the first time 2 years. That also means roads are still covered and need more work. Schools have been delayed and some upgraded to closings as a Winter Storm Warning remains in place. Some light snow or sleet is still possible this morning.

The official climate report from BWI Airport was 4.1 inches, setting a new daily record for January 15. There has been more snow overnight, so we will add it to the storm total.

The last time there was 1 inch of snow on the ground was February 1, 2022. The span between was 713 days!

Other snow reports from regional airports:

• Washington National = 3.4”
• Washington Dulles = 4.1”

School Delays OR Closings?

Given the additional snow AND cold temps, many area schools that have already been delayed might upgrade to closings. It’s worth double-checking.

Many areas did overachieve, with snow on the upper end of expectations close to or above that 4-inch mark. We will have a full wrap-up later this morning.

Snow in Annapolis

Thanks to Sue Steinbrook for sharing this beauty.

Winter Weather Alerts

The upgrade to a  Winter Storm Warning was issued for Central Maryland (expires at 10 AM) to Southern Pennsylvania (expires at noon).

Temperatures

We are well below freezing!

The day will turn windy and remain very cold!

Morning Surface Weather

There has been some sleet and freezing rain showers across central Maryland. But with temps below freezing it is worth taking extra caution on the roads.

Snow is generally pushing north into Northern PA, NY, and New England.

A few more light snow bands may clip northern Maryland and Southern PA through the morning.

The rest of the day will turn WINDY and COLD!

Radar Simulation:

7 AM HRRR Model

Animation 8 AM to 3 PM

Afternoon Temperatures

Wind Forecast

Expect winds between 15 and 30+ mph.  Given the light snow, there may be blowing and drifting over sidewalks and roads.

Wind Chill

CLIMATE DATA: Baltimore

TODAY January 16

Sunrise at 7:24 AM

Sunset at 5:09 PM

Normal Low in Baltimore:  25ºF

Record 1ºF in 1964

Normal High in Baltimore: 43ºF

Record 71ºF 1953

Wednesday Weather

Temperatures: Morning

These are the actual forecast numbers for thermometers… not the wind chill.

Fresh snowpack and a clear sky will help with the chill!

Temperatures: Afternoon

Looking Ahead

The next storm looks similar with the upper-level winds/jet streak in the arctic air mass separated from the surface Low.

The trend is your friend! So we must consider a similar type of event with a cold and powder-type snow during the afternoon and evening.

Snapshot: Friday Afternoon

Given the already chilly ground and cold temps, this may have a travel impact during the day and into the overnight.

Storm Animation: Thursday Afternoon to Saturday Afternoon

7 Day Outlook

Remaining COLD all week.

Ravens will host the Texans on Saturday, and it will be COLD!

Subscribe for eMail Alerts

RECENT Winter Outlook Reports:

My Winter Outlook: More Snow

El Niño Winter Updates

Late November: Warm Water Shifts West In Pacific Could Mean More Snow For Eastern US

Computer Models Support East Coast Storm Track

El Niño Advisory

The latest NOAA report is confident in a Very Strong event. Possibly HISTORIC! This refers to the temperatures in the Pacific, with impacts on the US Winter Storm Track.

Winter Weather Folklore: Top 20 and more signals from nature for snow.

NOAA’s Winter Outlook 2024

Winter Outlook 2024 From Two Farmers Almanacs Return to Cold and Snow

Explore More

Maryland Snow Climate History And Other Winter Pages

Faith in the Flakes Gear

STEM Assemblies/In School Fields Trips Are Back

Click to see more and ‘Book’ a visit to your school

Please share your thoughts and best weather pics/videos, or just keep in touch via social media

• Facebook: Justin Berk, Meteorologist

• Twitter

• Instagram

RESTATING MY MESSAGE ABOUT DYSLEXIA

I am aware there are some spelling and grammar typos and occasional other glitches. I take responsibility for my mistakes and even the computer glitches I may miss. I have made a few public statements over the years, but if you are new here, you may have missed it: I have dyslexia and found out during my second year at Cornell University. It didn’t stop me from getting my meteorology degree and being the first to get the AMS CBM in the Baltimore/Washington region. One of my professors told me that I had made it that far without knowing and to not let it be a crutch going forward. That was Mark Wysocki, and he was absolutely correct! I do miss my mistakes in my own proofreading. The autocorrect spell check on my computer sometimes does an injustice to make it worse. I also can make mistakes in forecasting. No one is perfect at predicting the future. All of the maps and information are accurate. The ‘wordy’ stuff can get sticky.  There has been no editor who can check my work when I need it and have it ready to send out in a newsworthy timeline. Barbara Werner is a member of the web team that helps me maintain this site. She has taken it upon herself to edit typos when she is available. That could be AFTER you read this. I accept this and perhaps proves what you read is really from me… It’s part of my charm.

#FITF