You’ve probably heard the rumors by now. Someone's cousin on Facebook posted a screenshot of a weather app showing a snowflake icon, and suddenly everyone is at the grocery store clearing out the bread and milk. Honestly, the way we react to a Maryland winter is basically a state tradition at this point.
But here is the thing: the snow in forecast for Maryland today isn't your typical "shut down the Beltway" blizzard. It is a messy, complicated, and frankly annoying transition that’s keeping meteorologists on their toes.
The Real Deal Right Now
Right now, as of Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, we are sitting in a weird pocket of air. The temperature in Maryland is currently hovering around 40°F, which sounds too warm for snow, right? Well, sort of. While it feels like 37°F with a light 6 mph southwest breeze, the upper atmosphere is doing something entirely different.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore/Washington office just pulled the trigger on a Winter Weather Advisory. This isn't for the whole state, but if you’re in north-central or northeast Maryland—think Carroll, Northern Baltimore, and Northwest Harford counties—you’re already seeing the white stuff.
Why This Snow in Forecast for Maryland is Tricky
Maryland weather is notoriously fickle because we are caught between the warm Atlantic moisture and the cold Appalachian air. It’s a literal tug-of-war. Today, we have "wet bulb cooling" happening. Basically, as the precipitation falls through dry air, it evaporates and cools the air down. This pushed temperatures down to freezing (32°F) much faster than the computer models expected this morning.
If you are near I-95 or closer to the city, you’ve mostly seen light rain or a gross, slushy mix. But just a few miles north and west? It’s a different story. Places like Germantown and Damascus have been seeing bands of moderate snow that are actually sticking to the grass and secondary roads.
- Current Totals: Some spots in Northwest Montgomery and Carroll counties have already reported over 2 inches of slush.
- The Cutoff: The NWS says the "steadiest" snow will wrap up by midday, but don't get too comfortable.
- The High: We’re still expected to hit a high of 43°F today. That means whatever falls will probably turn into a puddle by 3:00 PM.
Don't Put the Shovel Away Yet
If you thought today was the only event, I've got some news for you. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is looking like a "Part 2" situation. A second disturbance is moving in, and this one might actually bring snow closer to the I-95 corridor.
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We are looking at a 100% chance of precipitation during the day, which sounds scary, but it’s likely going to be a rain and snow mix. The low is dropping to 34°F tonight. If the timing of the cold air aligns with the moisture, we could see a light coating on the grass by Sunday evening. It’s not a "sledding hill" amount of snow, but it's enough to make the Monday morning commute a bit of a headache.
The "Big Freeze" is Coming
Honestly, the snow isn't even the biggest story here. It’s what happens after the clouds clear. By Tuesday morning, we are looking at a legitimate arctic blast. We're talking single-digit temperatures west of the Blue Ridge and teens for the rest of us.
Wind chills could drop to -15°F or even -30°F in the mountains. This isn't "winter is coming" talk; it's "your pipes might freeze" talk. If you haven't dripped your faucets or checked your salt supply, now is the time.
Actionable Next Steps for Marylanders
- Check the Advisory: If you’re traveling through Carroll or Northern Baltimore counties before noon today, expect slippery secondary roads. The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 12:00 PM.
- Monitor Sunday Afternoon: The shift for Sunday’s system has been trending westward. This means areas like Annapolis and Baltimore that missed out today might get clipped tomorrow.
- Prepare for Tuesday: This is the most important one. The "January Thaw" is officially over. Make sure your outdoor hoses are disconnected and your pets are inside.
- Watch the "Backside": Any moisture left on the roads Sunday night will turn into a sheet of ice by Monday morning as the temperatures crash.
Maryland winters are never simple. It’s rarely just a beautiful, dry snow; it’s usually a slushy, freezing, messy mix that tests our patience. Stay tuned to the NWS KLWX briefings, because with "wet bulb" events like this, the forecast can change in twenty minutes.