February 16 Briefly Mild Then Much Colder With Snow Thursday

Tuesday February 16 2021

We have abrupt changes over the next few days.  The good news is the most of our region is above 32ºF, so any ice, went to rain overnight. This morning fog lingers with mild air trying to move in. There is a 30 degree temperature spread across the state.

Temperatures

The historic arctic air that is still is Texas (see below) will push the next storm to a colder track for us on Thursday.

Quick Cast:

Today: Morning Fog. Mild afternoon, but cold air reaches the mountains. 

Wednesday: Arctic Air ‘Reaches The Beaches’ By Morning

Thursday: Snow begins before sunrise.

• Plan for 4” or more before mixing in freezing rain.

 

Weather Forecast: Central Maryland

 

 

 

Morning Set Up

Eastern US Surface Map

So cold, the natural power grid (wind turbines and solar panels) froze in Texas. Over 4 million power outages there this morning.

 

Eastern US Temps

Dallas reached -1ºF this morning for only the 5th time on record. It is more than 60 degrees warmer in Salisbury MD right now!

 

Temperature Forecast Maps

This Afternoon 

Warm East, Cold West; Transition in the Middle

 

 

This Evening

Back To Freezing

 

Wednesday Morning

Our taste of arctic air reaches the beaches.

 

Wednesday Afternoon

Remaining Cold 

 

Thursday Afternoon. Snapshot Map

After starting as snow before sunrise, there will be a slow push of freezing rain from the south.

 

Forecast Animation

 

How Much Snow?

I will post my first call snow map in my mid day report

 

Temperature Outlook

Both the Euro and GFS are *now* in agreement keeping Baltimore below freezing for the total of the Thursday storm.