A period of potentially impactful winter weather is expected across much of Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia from Friday afternoon through Friday night, with freezing rain and sleet posing the greatest concern.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a shortwave trough and surface low will approach from the northwest on Friday, with the most widespread precipitation expected Friday afternoon and evening. Cold and dry surface conditions already in place will set up an ideal cold air damming scenario, increasing the risk for ice accumulation, especially north and west of the metro areas.
Forecast guidance shows freezing rain and sleet as the dominant precipitation types across much of the region. While some snow is possible near and northeast of Baltimore, warmer air aloft is expected to limit snow potential and favor ice instead. Areas where surface temperatures rise above freezing could see periods of plain rain…