Snow and rain may mix Thursday as a weak storm tracks south of Baltimore

A brief round of precipitation is expected, with the heaviest activity likely to stay south

Baltimore and much of central Maryland could see periods of rain on Thursday, February 26, with a small chance that wet snow briefly mixes in—especially in higher elevations and near the northern edge of the precipitation shield. Forecasters indicate the setup favors a cold rain for most locations, while meaningful snow accumulation appears unlikely in the Baltimore metro area.

The weather pattern features a fast-moving disturbance advancing from the central United States toward the Mid-Atlantic by late Thursday. As it approaches, a weak area of low pressure is expected to form along a stalled boundary positioned to the south, then track east and remain south of the Baltimore region. That track is a key reason precipitation coverage is expected to be uneven across the broader region.

Timing: precipitation mainly during daylight hours Thursday

Clouds are expected to increase overnight into Thursday morning, with precipitation developing first to the southwest and spreading east. The bulk of the rain is anticipated during daylight hours Thursday, with conditions trending drier Thursday evening as the system exits.

Because the storm’s northern edge is expected to be sharp, neighborhoods across the region may experience different outcomes over relatively short distances. Some areas could stay largely dry, while others—particularly farther south—could receive steadier rain for several hours.

Where snow is most plausible

The chance for snow is tied closely to elevation and temperature. Forecast guidance indicates that if snow mixes in, it would most likely occur as a few wet flakes rather than a steady snowfall, with any minor accumulation mainly confined to elevations above roughly 1,500 feet. In the Baltimore area’s lower elevations, temperatures are expected to be marginal for snow to stick, limiting impacts.

• Most Baltimore-area locations: primarily rain, with little to no snow accumulation expected
• Northern and western higher terrain: a better chance for a rain–snow mix and minor accumulation
• Farther south in Maryland and into nearby areas: higher odds of steadier precipitation

Travel and operations: localized slick spots remain a low-probability concern

With most precipitation expected as rain and no widespread freeze indicated during the main period of rainfall, broad travel disruption is not currently the leading concern for Baltimore. However, drivers should be aware that brief snow mixing in—combined with localized colder pockets—can still create isolated slick surfaces, particularly on untreated bridges and elevated roadways if temperatures dip close to freezing.

What to watch: how far north the precipitation shield reaches Thursday, and whether colder air deepens enough to increase snow mixing—especially in higher elevations.

Looking ahead: a more active pattern may return early next week

Forecasts also point to a colder front arriving early next week, with additional chances for precipitation that could fall as rain or winter weather depending on how temperatures evolve. Forecasters note meaningful uncertainty remains in the details, including the possibility—though not a certainty—of broader wintry impacts if a trough deepens more than currently projected.

For Thursday, the most likely outcome for Baltimore remains a chilly rain with limited winter impacts, while nearby higher elevations have the better chance to see a light wintry mix.