Arctic Blast Could Bring Heavy Snow To MD, 50 MPH Winds Likely

Baltimore-area drivers should prepare for a potentially messy commute Thursday as an arctic cold front is expected to bring heavy snow showers, slick roads and gusty winds to parts of the state.

Several weather alerts were in effect Wednesday ahead of the front, which forecasters said will move into the region around sunrise Thursday.

A wind advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday for central, north-central, northeast, northern, southern and western Maryland. According to the National Weather Service, the state will see sustained 20 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph.

The NWS also released a hazardous weather outlook for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, the tidal Potomac River and the I-95 corridor through central Maryland. According to forecasters, a line of heavy snow showers could move through the area Thursday morning, producing slick road conditions and reduced visibility.

"If this threat materializes, it could lead to travel disruptions during the Thursday morning commute," the NWS said Wednesday. "The threat is greatest along and north of U.S. Highway 50."

In the far western portion of the state, a blizzard warning is in effect for Garrett County beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday through 3 p.m. Thursday. According to forecasters, the county could see 4-8 inches of snow with 10 inches possible in some spots. Winds could also gust as high as 55 mph.

Gale warnings are in effect across all Maryland waters through 7 p.m. Thursday, according to the NWS.

Once snow showers clear, Marylanders can expect cold winter temperatures to linger through Saturday.

"Overnight lows Thursday night will dip into the lower 20s, with wind chills dropping into the teens by Friday morning," CBS Baltimore forecasters said Wednesday. "Highs on Friday will struggle to climb beyond the mid-to-upper 30s. Even colder temperatures are expected Friday night, with many areas seeing lows around 20 degrees by Saturday morning."

Saturday will remain cold, but temperatures are expected to warm and climb into the low 50s on Sunday.

Here's a look at the latest NWS forecast for the Baltimore area:

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42. South wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of rain showers between 1am and 4am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Windy, with a west wind 20 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 53.