Marylanders should brace for bitter cold and the potential for accumulating snow this weekend as a winter storm takes aim at the region.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a moderate chance of a winter storm with heavy snow accumulation predicted to hit Maryland and surrounding states this Saturday afternoon that is expected to last until Monday morning. Although the NWS is confident in the storm’s probability, “confidence remains low” as far as snowfall totals as of late Tuesday afternoon.

Confidence is increasing for a significant winter storm for the region Saturday into Sunday. Significant travel delays and closures are becoming increasingly likely, so start planning ahead to minimize impact on you and your family. pic.twitter.com/ZSHlCX1Evj

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 20, 2026

From Saturday into Sunday, the Baltimore area could see a potentially severe winter storm, with temperatures in the teens and 20s and wind chills dipping into the single digits. The chance of snow through the weekend stands near 80%, the weather service said.

The cold arrives on the heels of an arctic blast that sent overnight temperatures into the high teens and low 20s earlier this week. A brief warmup is expected Wednesday and Thursday, when highs could reach the upper 30s to mid-40s under a high-pressure system. Another low-pressure system is forecast to arrive after Thursday, ushering in renewed cold and setting the stage for weekend snow. Highs Friday are expected to struggle into the low teens, with a slight chance of snow during the day.

Baltimore officials urged residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, walk carefully on icy surfaces and check on vulnerable neighbors, including older adults, children and pets. City agencies warned that prolonged cold increases the risk of burst pipes, hypothermia and travel disruptions beginning Saturday.

The National Weather Service recommended planning ahead for possible road closures and travel delays this weekend.

Baltimore City Department of Public Works advised residents to seal drafts, keep windows and doors tightly closed, insulate exposed pipes and report leaks or water main breaks to 311.

On Sunday, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Michelle Taylor issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert for Monday night through Wednesday morning due to the wind chills and drop in temperature.

Although the National Weather Service is not confident in how much snowfall is expected, meteorologist Gerard Jebaily with Fox 45 said residents could possibly see ice and snow as weather conditions become perfect for a potent storm.

“There are a ton of unknowns like amounts [of snow] and timing,” Jebaily said. “The Jetstream branches will be in phase and plenty of cold air will be in place ahead of time, which tends to lead to bigger systems and higher totals.”

Nearby states, like Virginia and Pennsylvania, are confirmed to have an increased likelihood of moderate snowfall, with Pennsylvania expected to receive one to three inches of snow on Wednesday night according to the National Weather Service.

Have a news tip? Contact Chevall Pryce at cpryce@baltsun.com