Brace for Impact: Afternoon Snow Squalls and Arctic Air Trigger First Alert Friday

A Shift in the Skies

Baltimore residents should prepare for a drastic change in conditions as the day progresses. While Friday, February 6, 2026, begins on a quiet and dry note, the afternoon and evening hours are expected to bring a combination of snow squalls and a significant drop in temperature. Local meteorologists have designated today as a First Alert Weather Day, urging the public to stay informed as a cold front sweeps through the region.

Morning Calm and Seasonable Cold

The morning commute is expected to remain unimpacted by precipitation. The city will experience partly sunny skies early on with temperatures starting in the low 20s. By midday, highs will reach approximately 32 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds will remain relatively light during the first half of the day, coming from the north at 5 to 9 mph, making for a standard, albeit chilly, February morning in Maryland.

Afternoon Snow and Evening Hazards

The weather story changes after 1:00 PM. Forecasts indicate a chance of snow showers and isolated snow squalls moving into central Maryland between 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM. While total accumulation is expected to be light—generally a coating to an inch—the timing is critical. These squalls can cause sudden reductions in visibility and rapidly slick road surfaces, potentially making the evening commute hazardous. Drivers are advised to exercise caution on major routes like I-95 and I-83 as the sun sets and surfaces begin to freeze.

Code Blue and Frigid Overnight Lows

As the snow tapers off late tonight, the primary concern shifts to a dangerous plunge in temperatures. The Baltimore City Health Department has maintained a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert, which is set to remain in effect through Monday, February 9. Key details for the overnight period include:

• Low Temperatures: Overnight lows will drop to approximately 15 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wind Chill: Increasing winds will make it feel significantly colder, with values potentially dipping into the single digits.
• Blustery Conditions: While the strongest gusts are predicted for Saturday, Friday night will see a noticeable uptick in wind speed following the frontal passage.

Weekend Outlook

The extreme cold will persist through the weekend. An Extreme Cold Watch is already in effect for Saturday and Sunday, with dangerously low wind chills and gusts up to 45 mph expected. Residents should ensure that pipes are insulated, pets are brought indoors, and any time spent outside is minimized. Emergency shelters in Baltimore have expanded their outreach and capacity to accommodate vulnerable neighbors during this Arctic outbreak.