As the calendar flipped to 2026, residents across Maryland and northwestern Pennsylvania found themselves bracing against a biting cold and persistent winter winds, with the weather showing little sign of relenting. According to reporting from local meteorologists and the National Weather Service, the final days of 2025 and the opening hours of the new year brought a series of weather events that tested the patience and resilience of communities from Baltimore to Erie.
In Maryland, the strong winds that had whipped through the state for several days finally began to subside on the morning of December 31, 2025. While the gusts eased, they didn't disappear entirely. As reported by local news outlets, wind speeds on New Year’s Eve reached up to 25 miles per hour, leaving just enough of a breeze to rattle windows and keep outdoor revelers bundled up. The cold, however, was here to stay. Temperatures across much of Maryland remained stubbornly below normal, with high temperatures struggling to reach the 30s throughout the week.
"After a couple of days with powerful winds, relief is on the way. Overnight, wind gusts will ease (although not completely going calm)," a local weather forecaster noted, capturing the cautious optimism felt by many. The extended forecast painted a chilly picture, with highs in the 30s expected to persist well into the first week of January.
Early on December 31, snow showers developed across parts of Maryland, dusting roads and sidewalks with a thin, slippery coating. This was especially true in northeastern parts of the state, where untreated and elevated surfaces became treacherous for morning commuters. Meteorologists urged caution, warning that even small amounts of snow could create hazardous driving conditions. Another round of flurries and snow showers was possible on New Year’s Day morning, with minor accumulations likely to create additional slick spots in neighborhoods throughout the region.
Compounding the weather woes, thousands of Maryland residents were left in the dark on Monday, December 29, after wind gusts toppled trees and power lines. Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) reported that the hardest-hit areas were Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel counties. More outages were anticipated into the early afternoon of Tuesday, December 30, as utility crews worked to restore service. "BGE said thousands of customers lost power on Monday due to the wind gusts knocking down trees and tree limbs," local news sources reported, highlighting the widespread impact of the stormy weather.
For those planning to ring in the new year outdoors, the forecast offered both reassurance and a warning. While winds on New Year’s Eve were expected to be less intense than in previous days, the cold remained a constant companion. In Baltimore, temperatures hovered in the lower 30s around midnight, but with the wind chill, it felt more like the 20s. Despite the chill, the weather was expected to cooperate for outdoor celebrations, with partly cloudy skies and dry conditions forecasted for both New Year’s Eve and the early hours of January 1.
But 2026 was not about to start gently. Another blast of cold air was forecasted for New Year’s Day, with temperatures struggling to reach the freezing mark. A few snow showers were possible, but significant accumulations were unlikely for most neighborhoods. The cold pattern, it seemed, was locked in for the foreseeable future, setting the tone for the start of the new year.
Meanwhile, just up Interstate 79, the city of Erie, Pennsylvania, found itself in the midst of a classic lake-effect snow event. According to the National Weather Service’s Cleveland office, Erie entered New Year’s Day 2026 with a 50 percent chance of snow and the possibility of 1 to 3 inches of new accumulation. The lake-effect snow warning that had hung over the region for three days was scheduled to expire by 7 p.m. on January 1, but not before delivering a wintry punch.
The recent snowfall totals in Erie County told the story of a region well-acquainted with winter’s extremes. As of December 30, Edinboro had received 9 inches of snow, Wesleyville reported 3.8 inches, North East had 3 inches, and Waterford recorded 4 inches. Southeast Meadville, just across the county line in Crawford County, saw an eye-popping 15 inches. These numbers were expected to climb as snow continued to fall through the end of the year.
Temperatures in Erie on New Year’s Day were forecasted to reach a high near 26°F, dropping to a brisk 18°F overnight. Winds from the west were expected to blow at 8 to 11 miles per hour, with gusts up to 23 mph, adding to the chill. The National Weather Service predicted that snow would remain likely through the night and into the morning of January 2, with another 1 to 3 inches possible. The pattern of cloudy skies and intermittent snow was set to continue, with January 2 expected to be mostly cloudy, a high near 27°F, and about an inch of new snow. Winds would remain steady, gusting up to 21 mph at times.
The outlook for the rest of the week offered little respite for Erie residents. January 3 was forecasted to be mostly cloudy with a high near 22°F and a low around 16°F. The following day, January 4, would also bring mostly cloudy skies, a high near 22°F, and a 30 percent chance of snow at night, with temperatures again dipping to around 16°F. As the snow continued to pile up, the hardest-hit areas remained those south of Interstate 90, where the lake-effect machine churned out the highest totals.
For those seeking up-to-the-minute information, local media and the National Weather Service encouraged residents to stay alert. "Get the latest AccuWeather forecast details and radar images for your ZIP code at goerie.com/weather," advised GoErie, underscoring the importance of preparation during unpredictable winter weather. Residents were also encouraged to download the GoErie app or sign up for text alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
From the icy streets of Baltimore to the snow-laden neighborhoods of Erie, the first days of 2026 have been a stark reminder of winter’s power. With cold air entrenched and more snow in the forecast, communities across the region are hunkering down, hoping for a break in the weather—and a little warmth—before too long.