Monday Afternoon Update: December 16 2019

After the little bout of morning snow that closed many central Maryland schools, the weather concern now is freezing rain. Temperatures have been hovering around freezing, but as is often the case during daylight, the roads have remained wet.

If we are to get icing, it will start to be noticed near and after dark, when ground temperatures can cool just  enough. That would be starting 4 PM. Some warning this evening should gradually thaw most of our immediate area by midnight.

The irony is that where there was less snow farther north this morning, will be the more likely areas to get icy this evening.

Temperatures

• This is the most important thing we can watch now.
• Patchy drizzle and the radar will show rain. But this helps identity where the freezing potential lies.
• These reports are form the regional weather stations.
• It is possible have colder pockets in between as just one or two degrees can make the difference for ice.

The Winter Weather Advisory is in place for:

Maryland for Frederick County westward.

• Ice is possible even without an advisory in parts of western Howard, Carroll, and northern Baltimore and Harford Counties

Pennsylvania- All counties on the Maryland border

Rain is coming from the Southwest, but Winds are from the colder Northeast

Signs To Look For Develop Ice

• Touch the door on your car, or a car that has been parked for a few hours. The metal will freeze first. Then check the windows. If these feel like droplets are freezing, then next could be the pavement.
• Check metal rails or your mailbox for icing.
• Car Thermometers are not totally accurate, but when it is wet outside it displays more realistic numbers. You should be driving for a few minutes to make sure the heat from your engine is not falsely warming the display number.
• Caution: When ice is ‘patchy’ the places that are more likely to freeze are

In the shade:

• North side of hills or buildings
• Elevated surfaces like ramps or bridges
• Concrete sidewalks before dark road pavement

Radar Simulation —> slider

Temperatures: The Slow Thaw

Tuesday Morning

Most of the region should be above freezing with just a chilly rain