The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has shared that a significant pattern change is expected across much of the country as an Arctic Outbreak is forecast to spread from the Northern Plains to the south and east, leading to exceptionally high probabilities of below-normal temperatures expected across much of the East. It also comes with a risk of heavy snow, which is just slight for now.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has most of Maryland in the “slight risk” zone for heavy snow from January 7th-11th. As of now, that’s exactly what it means– a slight risk. Something to keep an eye on, but not necessarily plan on happening just yet. Areas further in, including western Maryland are in the “moderate risk” zone. Maryland, as a whole, is in the “high risk” zone for hazardous temperatures from 1/9-1/11.
Per NOAA, “the coldest air of the season to date and dangerous wind chills are likely across many areas of the Southeast. Below freezing temperatures are possible as far south as the Gulf Coast and much of the Florida Peninsula. Impacts to highly sensitive citrus crops are possible.
Frozen precipitation is possible across the parts of the Southern Plains and Southeast with the potential for heavy snow extending northward to include much of Appalachians, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, and Northeast, potentially leading to significant travel disruptions. Additionally, heavy Lake Effect snow is likely to enhance totals for areas downwind of the Great Lakes as the Arctic Air pushes south across partially unfrozen waters.”
