February 7 2017 – As expected, a new record high temperature was set at Baltimore’s BWI today just a day and a half ahead of a abrupt return to winter. I am enjoying reporting both a record high and Winter Storm Watch in the same breath, which might be something more suited for Colorado. But I should elaborate, not all of us are under the ‘watch’ yet. Pennsylvania is first on the list with the notice, but I expect more to be added in Maryland. It will snow, and it will be heavy on Thursday morning at daybreak. But these warm temps will play a factor in what will stick.

Record High

Baltimore’s BWI reaches 72°F at 4:24 PM

This obliterated the old record for this date of 64F set in 1904. Breaking a mark 113 years old is impressive. If you are curious,

The hottest February day on record in Baltimore was 83°F on Feb 25 in 1930

Here’s a look at the Baltimore Climate Data for February. The Snow stuff is below

Winter Is Coming

Reminder: The Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the regional office in State College PA for their counties, which include southern Pennsylvania. I do expect the impact will reach central Maryland so more watches or advisories will be issued. The government is the only body that can issue these, but I will pass any updates along. Their forecast map is below. I will issue my first call map tonight.

Snow Potential:

This set up is the reverse of the format I usually follow. The Canadian has been last to the party, actually absent with the storm as of last night. Now that model is most aggressive. What I am really concerned with is the freezing line. This is a little farther south than the GFS Model (compare below). That will be crucial for where the stickage will be maximized in Maryland.

I expect school delays or closing in southern PA Thursday since the heaviest snow will be falling early in the morning when decision are made. The impact on metro Baltimore and Washington all depend on the freezing line AND the intensity of the snow that could overtake the warm ground… Even if just above freezing, there could be accumulation if heavy enough.

GFS Model was a little farther north with the freezing line. I will be watching this for any trend. We must also consider the lack of cold air means a warmer Chesapeake Bay and thus warming influence off of the water.

NWS Snow Forecasts

I do believe this is for total snowfall on the grass, but lower amounts on roads where the initial snow will melt. This is an increase from the maps I showed in my prior report.

In Maryland: Reminder that this is contingent on the temperature and heavy intensity.

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