Baltimore weather: Wintry mix comes early Thursday; Howard schools closed, other systems delayed
Feb. 5—More wintry weather is likely on the way to the Baltimore area.
[Get the latest weathercast from FOX45 News]
Wednesday evening is expected to bring rain, snow, freezing rain and sleet by 3 a.m. There's a chance of freezing rain and sleet between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., then rain or freezing rain after 4 a.m.
The National Weather Service's winter weather advisory for the Baltimore area began at 9 p.m. Wednesday and extends through Thursday morning.
The sleet could be heavy at times, and the low will around freezing levels at 31. The new snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch is possible, according to the National Weather Service. New ice could accumulate up to a tenth of an inch.
The chance of precipitation by nightfall is 100%, presenting slippery conditions that could affect Thursday morning's commute.
The main freezing rain threat is for areas north and west of Interstate 95, particularly areas and west of I-81 the weather service said on X.
The Howard County Public School System will close Thursday, the first Baltimore-area system to fully shut down due to the projected conditions.
Carroll County Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools and Harford County Public Schools will delay opening two hours Thursday.
Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George's counties' public schools are delaying classes by two hours, though they may reevaluate in the morning.
Several area private schools have chosen to delay classes: Loyola Blakefield, Gerstell Academy, Gilman and The St. Paul's Schools among them.
Towson University and Coppin State University will open at 10 a.m. University of Maryland, Baltimore County and University of Baltimore are resuming class instruction at 11 a.m.
University of Maryland, College Park will open at 10 a.m. due to the weather.
Non-emergency essential employees of Baltimore City and all other counties in the state have liberal leave between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Carroll County government buildings and the Carroll Transit System will open at noon.
All Baltimore County public libraries will open at 11 a.m. Thursday.
Maryland Transportation Authority crews are monitoring and treating toll road conditions, it said on X, recommending that residents consider altering or canceling nighttime travel plans if they are able to due to the potential of icy conditions.
The rain and sleet are predicted to continue into Thursday morning before gradually ending. The high is forecast to reach 46. Nighttime will bring mostly cloudy skies with a low of 37.
The sun is expected to shine to end the workweek Friday, with warmer temperatures and a high around 46. The evening is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.
The potential for rain and snow returns Saturday with a 70% chance of precipitation, a daytime high near 39 and a low around 31 overnight.
Sunday should be sunny and warmer with a high near 48.
Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at [email protected] or on X as @ToddKarpovich and Racquel Bazos at [email protected], 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
Originally Published:February 5, 2025 at 7:05 AM EST