Today : Jan 13, 2026
Local News
13 January 2026

Baltimore Braces For Snow And Temperature Swings This Week

Forecasts predict a mild start to the week in Baltimore before a cold front brings rain, possible snow, and a dramatic temperature drop by Thursday.

As Baltimore residents navigated the chilly winds and fleeting snow showers that ushered in the new workweek, all eyes turned to the skies in anticipation of what the rest of January might bring. The city, known for its unpredictable winter weather, is bracing for a rollercoaster of temperatures, shifting winds, and the tantalizing possibility of snow—maybe even more than once—before the week is through.

According to WBAL-TV, Sunday evening saw snow showers taper off across the region, with skies clearing overnight as gusty winds began to subside. Meteorologist Ava Marie explained that, after the initial burst of winter, Monday, January 12, 2026, would dawn with a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures in Baltimore and its suburbs hovered in the low to mid-30s during the early hours, rising to the low 40s by afternoon before slipping back into the 30s after sunset. "It’s cold in the morning with 34 at 9:00, 40 by noon tomorrow and then low 40s during the afternoon, then dropping into the 30s by the evening," she noted. In Woodstock, the mercury read 35°F, while Elkton registered a slightly warmer 39°F.

Monday’s weather, while brisk, was not out of character for January in Maryland. Hoodline reported that temperatures were running a few degrees above normal for much of the day, with highs in the mid to upper 40s for most areas and a noticeable uptick in sun exposure around noon. The National Weather Service forecasted that overnight lows would settle into the mid-20s to lower 30s, providing a brief but welcome respite from harsher winter conditions.

But don’t get too comfortable. As FOX45 News outlined, the calm was short-lived. Tuesday, January 13, promised more mild and mostly sunny weather, with highs near 47°F and gentle winds, but by the evening, temperatures were expected to dip to around 37°F. The National Weather Service predicted that Tuesday would remain dry, though high clouds would begin to increase in the afternoon, signaling a change on the horizon.

Wednesday, January 14, marks the beginning of a dramatic shift. WBFF reported that a cold front would move into the area, bringing increasing clouds, gusty winds, and the chance for a few showers. "A cold front moves in on Wednesday, bringing increasing clouds, gusty winds, and the chance for a few showers," meteorologist Dylan explained. Southerly winds ahead of the front would help keep temperatures mild—highs near 49°F were expected—but the approaching upper trough would dig southward across the region, causing increased cloud cover and the potential for showers, particularly in the western parts of Maryland. The National Weather Service warned that snow was likely in the Alleghenies starting Wednesday night, with a few inches of accumulation possible in the higher elevations.

By Thursday, January 15, the forecast becomes more complicated—and more intriguing. Multiple outlets, including WBAL-TV and WBFF, agree that a strong cold front will sweep through Baltimore, dropping temperatures by nearly 20 degrees as winds shift from the south to the northwest. Highs are expected to only reach the low 40s or upper 30s, with overnight lows plunging into the low 20s. The big question: will there be snow?

Confidence is high for colder temperatures, but lower for snow, according to WBFF. "Right now there is a chance we'll see a mix of rain and snow showers Thursday," their meteorologists reported. WBAL-TV meteorologist Tony Pann offered two possible scenarios on social media, explaining that the potential for snow accumulation in Baltimore depends on how quickly the cold air arrives and the path of the upper-level energy. "The potential for snow will be higher for Baltimore if the upper level energy passes over Maryland, or just to the south, rather than farther north," Pann tweeted. Should conditions align, Baltimore could see a couple of inches of snow by Thursday afternoon, with precipitation tapering off into the night.

For those with travel plans, the National Weather Service cautioned that VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions would hold steady until Wednesday night, when increasingly inclement weather could lead to sub-VFR conditions and showers. Mariners, too, were advised to keep an eye on advisories, as potential gale conditions were forecast for Thursday night and Friday.

Friday, January 16, is shaping up to be a cold, clear day, with highs struggling to climb above freezing—near 30°F by most estimates, and overnight lows dipping to around 25°F. The brisk pattern is expected to persist into the weekend, with Saturday’s highs near 41°F and overnight lows around 24°F. Sunday, January 18, brings yet another twist: meteorologists are monitoring another chance for wintry weather. While no strong signals currently point to a significant snow event, the long-range pattern is worth watching. "There will be plenty of cold air in place, and the main question will be whether enough moisture is available," WBFF’s Dylan remarked.

Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: Baltimore’s weather will keep residents on their toes this week. The city’s brush with snow on Sunday night was just a prelude to a week of fluctuating temperatures, shifting winds, and the ever-present possibility of snow. As the National Weather Service summed up, "With an ever-changing climate scene, Baltimore locals will need to keep a watchful eye on the skies as the week progresses."

For now, the advice is simple: enjoy the brief spells of sunshine and relative warmth, but keep your winter coat—and maybe your snow shovel—close at hand. The weather, as always, has a few surprises in store for Baltimore.