Maryland weather: Snow, freezing drizzle could linger Friday before blustery weekend, warm week

Freezing precipitation lingering in the Baltimore area Friday after a winter storm swept through the region was clearing out by the afternoon as temperatures rose, paving the way for a blustery weekend and an unseasonably warm week, forecasters say.

A winter weather advisory was in effect through noon, with forecasters warning that “very slippery sidewalks, roads and bridges are possible.”

With a high temperature of about 36, the forecasters wrote that the layer of snow and ice left by a winter storm Wednesday and Thursday could start to melt.

Their prediction was on track as temperatures rose Friday, forecasters wrote in an online weather forum at midafternoon.

But the temperature is expected to drop to around 22 Friday night, creating potentially icy conditions, the meteorologists wrote.

“Whatever melts today will refreeze, so that will be a concern,” they wrote.

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From left, Justin Cheetham, owner of Remarkable Home, and Ricky Claudio, foreman, melt ice on a sidewalk in Guilford with a roofing torch and gasoline. Cheetham says by melting the top layer of ice then applying salt, they can melt the thick ice without hurting the concrete. (Kim Hairston)

Officials warned of continued slippery conditions on roads, especially ones that have not been treated. Maryland State Police said troopers responded to 34 crashes and 282 calls for service between 10 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday.

“Crews have been working around the clock to treat city streets, but slippery conditions still exist. Use extreme caution if heading out this morning or delay your travels if possible,” the Baltimore City Department of Transportation wrote on Twitter.

While it’s expected to be a sunny day, Saturday will be cold. Forecasters called for a high of 31 with gusts of wind up to 23 mph.

The temperature will plummet to around 19 Saturday night, with wind gusts lingering but lessening in force. It could be the coldest night of what has been an “extremely warm winter for the region,” forecasters wrote.

Sunday should be milder, as high pressure in the atmosphere shifts offshore, the meteorologists wrote. The temperature is expected to climb above freezing with a high of 37, “definitely the better day of the weekend,” as the forecasters put it.

It’s likely parts of Western Maryland could see snow overnight Sunday, but the chance lessens further east. In the Baltimore area, forecasters expect lows around 27 and winds around 6 mph.

The forecast says snow showers could persist until about 11 a.m., only to be replaced by rain as the temperature climbs to 43. There’s a 90% chance of precipitation.

As a low pressure system moves out Monday night, high pressure will creep in from the southwest, forecasters wrote. That means higher temperatures and a dry outlook.

By Monday evening, forecasters expect a 30% chance of rain and lows around 33.

Forecasters predict Tuesday will be sunny, with a high of 48. The sun will shine on Wednesday, too, with the temperature rising to 54.

The meteorologists are calling for sun on Thursday and a high temperature in the 50s, but they’re keeping tabs on the potential of a front sliding down from the north.

“There’s still some uncertainty on how much, if any moisture will be associated with it,” forecasters wrote.