Some of Baltimore's coldest temperatures since last February are forecast to arrive late Wednesday, with little warming until Saturday.
But first, a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow is likely Tuesday night after 10 p.m., forecasters said. No accumulation is expected.
A cold front bringing frigid Arctic air is expected to arrive overnight Wednesday into Thursday, dropping temperatures into the lower 20s. After that, temperatures are not expected to rise out of the mid-20s for two days.
Wind chills are forecast in the single digits Thursday, with a steady 20 mph breeze and gusts up to 30 mph from the northwest.
Overnight lows early Friday morning could reach the mid-teens, with wind chills as cold as the low single digits.
Baltimore County officials said Tuesday they would open the freezing weather shelter at the North Point Government Center in Dundalk, and also encouraged residents to warm up at county libraries and senior centers.
Snow showers are possible Friday night, before warmer air moves in Saturday. Precipitation could turn to rain as temperatures rise to about 40 degrees Saturday.