Baltimore, Maryland – A fast-moving winter system is expected to bring a messy mix of rain, snow, and sleet to Maryland early Tuesday, creating difficult travel conditions during the morning rush. The system is the second in a series of storms passing through the region this week.
The workweek begins quietly on Monday with dry skies and cooler air. However, conditions change quickly overnight as clouds thicken and temperatures drop near freezing, setting the stage for widespread precipitation by early Tuesday.
What the approaching system means for Tuesday
Forecasters have declared Tuesday a First Alert Weather Day due to the risk of hazardous travel across central and northern Maryland. Steady rain, accumulating snow, and pockets of sleet are all expected as the storm moves from west to east during the morning hours.
The first wave of precipitation should begin between 4 and 6 a.m., targeting Frederick, Carroll, and Howard counties before spreading toward the Baltimore metro. Many areas will wake up to a wintry mix, complicating the commute for thousands of drivers.
Multiple precipitation types expected across Baltimore County
By around 8 a.m., different parts of Baltimore County may see different conditions at the same time.
- Northern communities may see snow and sleet,
- Central areas are likely to experience mixing,
- Neighborhoods closer to downtown and the Inner Harbor will see mainly cold rain, with little to no accumulation.
The northern sections of the city could see at least a light coating of snow, while southern and central neighborhoods stay mostly wet.
Where the most snow is likely to fall
The highest snowfall totals are expected in the higher elevations of Frederick and Carroll counties, stretching into the far northwest section of Baltimore County. Some communities outside the Baltimore Beltway and parts of Harford County may pick up one to two inches.
Western Howard County also has a chance to see more than an inch before everything transitions to rain. Interstate 95 will roughly act as the dividing line between areas that see a picturesque snowfall and areas that see mostly rain.
Transition to rain through the late morning
As warmer air pushes in, snow and sleet will gradually turn to a cold, steady rain across much of the Baltimore metro area. Whatever snow does accumulate is expected to compress and melt quickly after sunrise, leaving most neighborhoods wet but slushy at worst.
Across the Eastern Shore, the dominant precipitation type will be cold rain, though a few flurries or sleet pellets could mix in north of Route 50 early in the storm.
When the storm will end
The system should move out before 5 p.m., giving the region time to dry out heading into Wednesday. Conditions are expected to improve mid-week as this storm exits and colder, calmer weather settles in.
Safety reminders for commuters
Drivers heading out early Tuesday should prepare for:
- Reduced visibility
- Slippery roads in northern counties
- Longer commute times
- Quick weather changes depending on location
Leave extra time, use caution on untreated roads, and monitor local updates as conditions may shift rapidly.
Wrap-up
A messy combination of rain, snow, and sleet will impact much of Maryland early Tuesday, particularly for those traveling during the morning commute. Northern areas face the greatest snow risk, while central and southern parts of the metro will see mostly cold rain.
Share your local weather updates or what you’re seeing in your neighborhood in the comments below.
