Baltimore Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Flash Flooding & Temperature Swings—Your Hour-by-Hour Forecast Today

Baltimore weather takes a wintry turn this afternoon as a potent storm spreads sleet, freezing rain and raw rain across central Maryland. Winter Weather Advisory for Baltimore and Surrounding Counties • The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until late tonight for Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Kent and Cecil counties, while an Ice Storm Warning covers western Garrett County for up to 0.50" of glaze ice. • Forecasters warn that even a light coating of ice can create treacherous conditions on bridges, overpasses and untreated roads. Timing: When the Icy Mix Arrives • Roads remain mainly wet through lunchtime, but by early-afternoon colder air aloft helps a sleet/freezing-rain mix develop along and north of I-70, including downtown Baltimore. • The mix gradually flips to plain rain in the city near sunset, but northern suburbs may stay icy through the evening commute, reducing traction and visibility. • Precipitation tapers before dawn Saturday, limiting overnight icing potential. Travel and Power Impact • Expect slick pavement for 2-6 hours in the metro, longer north of the city; keep extra distance and avoid sudden braking. • Widespread power outages are not anticipated, yet isolated outages can’t be ruled out where ice exceeds one-quarter inch on elevated lines and tree limbs. • BWI Airport suggests checking flight status frequently, as de-icing delays are possible during peak precipitation. Weekend Outlook for Charm City Saturday stays gray and chilly with highs in the low 40s, and patchy drizzle may linger. Sunday starts quiet, but another wave of showers develops late day as Gulf moisture lifts north. Big Temperature Swings Early Next Week Baltimore’s forecast turns wildly variable Monday: morning readings surge near 60 °F ahead of a strong cold front, then plunge into the 30s by afternoon with gusts 25-35 mph. Feels-like values tumble to the teens Monday night, and wind gusts may exceed 40 mph Tuesday, signaling a true taste of Arctic chill. Key Takeaways • Plan for slippery travel this afternoon and evening, especially north of the Beltway. • Keep an ice scraper, sand or kitty litter and a charged phone in your vehicle. • After a gloomy weekend, brace for spring-like warmth Monday morning followed by a rapid freeze Monday night. Stay tuned to the WJZ First Alert Weather Team, NOAA Weather Radio and your preferred weather app for the latest Baltimore weather alerts and real-time radar updates.