If you’re stepping outside in Maryland today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, you’re in for a bit of a psychological trick. It feels like spring, but the calendar—and the looming forecast—says otherwise. Honestly, it’s that classic Mid-Atlantic "January Thaw" where you start questioning if you really need that heavy parka.
Enjoy the mild air while it lasts.
The what is the weather in Maryland today report is actually quite pleasant, especially for the middle of winter. Most of the state is seeing high temperatures peaking in the upper 40s to low 50s. In Baltimore, we're looking at a high around 49°F to 51°F, which is significantly warmer than the average January high of 43°F. It’s sunny, it’s bright, and there’s a light southerly breeze that makes the air feel much softer than it did last week.
Maryland Weather Today: A Calm Before the Arctic Storm
Right now, Maryland is sitting on the "warm side" of a major weather system. A low-pressure area over the Great Lakes is pulling in that milder air from the south. You've probably noticed the sky is mostly clear this morning, though some high-altitude clouds are starting to drift in from the west.
🔗 Read more: At Home French Manicure: Why Yours Looks Cheap and How to Fix It
Regional Breakdown for Tuesday
Maryland is tiny, but the weather is never uniform. Here is how it looks across the different regions today:
- Central Maryland (Baltimore/Annapolis): Expect a high of 51°F. It will stay dry throughout the daylight hours. Sunset is around 5:06 PM, and that’s when the temperature will start its slow slide back toward the 30s.
- Western Maryland (Cumberland/Garrett County): It’s always cooler in the mountains. Highs are struggling to hit the mid-40s. While it's sunny now, clouds will thicken up much faster here than on the coast.
- Eastern Shore & Ocean City: Breezy and mild. Highs near 50°F. The humidity is sitting around 36%, so it’s a very "crisp" kind of warmth.
- Southern Maryland (Waldorf/St. Mary’s): This is the sweet spot. Some neighborhoods might actually tickle 53°F before the sun goes down.
Basically, if you have outdoor errands or want to take the dog for a long walk, today is the day to do it.
Why Tomorrow Changes Everything
Don’t let today's sunshine fool you into thinking winter is over. Meteorologists at WJZ and the National Weather Service are already tracking a sharp arctic front that is currently diving south from Canada.
💡 You might also like: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, starts off mild but gets messy fast. We’re expecting rain showers to develop by midday. But the real story is Wednesday night. As that arctic air hits the moisture, rain will likely transition into a quick burst of snow.
It’s not a blizzard. Don't go panic-buying all the milk and bread just yet. However, we could see a "coating" to an inch of snow by Thursday morning, especially north of the PA line and in the higher elevations.
The Temperature Cliff
Check out this projected swing:
📖 Related: 100 Biggest Cities in the US: Why the Map You Know is Wrong
- Today (Tuesday): High 51°F.
- Wednesday: High 52°F (dropping sharply in the evening).
- Thursday: High 31°F.
That is a 20-degree drop in less than 24 hours. The wind chill on Thursday is going to be brutal, potentially feeling like it's in the teens or even single digits depending on how the gusts behave.
Tips for Dealing with Maryland’s Winter Flip-Flop
Maryland weather is notorious for its mood swings. One day you're in a light fleece, the next you're looking for your ice scraper.
Since the what is the weather in Maryland today situation is so mild, use this afternoon to prep for the freeze. Check your tire pressure—cold snaps always trigger those annoying dashboard sensors. If you have sensitive outdoor plants that you brought out during this "thaw," get them back inside or covered by tomorrow night.
Also, be mindful of the Wednesday night commute. While today’s roads are perfectly dry, the transition from rain to snow tomorrow night can create "black ice" scenarios. When the temperature drops from 40°F to 25°F in a few hours, any moisture left on the asphalt turns into a skating rink.
Actionable Next Steps for Marylanders:
- Dress in layers today. You’ll want the light jacket for the 50-degree afternoon, but you’ll need a real coat if you’re staying out past 6:00 PM.
- Finish outdoor chores. If you need to clean gutters or move firewood, do it before the rain and snow arrive Wednesday.
- Monitor the Thursday "First Alert." Keep an eye on local radar starting Wednesday evening for that rain-to-snow transition time.
Enjoy the "spring-ish" Tuesday. Maryland winters are rarely this kind for two days in a row, and the arctic air waiting in the wings is going to be a rude awakening by Thursday morning.