Brace Yourselves: A Quick Dusting, Then the Deep Freeze

If you were hoping for a major winter wonderland this weekend, I have some “good” news and some “bracing” news. We are looking at a classic “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” snow event followed by a legitimate, bone-chilling cold snap that will make Saturday feel like a survival mission.

Here is the breakdown of what’s coming our way over the next 48 hours.

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1. The Friday “Clipper”: Light Snow, Low Impact

A quick-moving clipper system arrives late Friday into Friday night. While “snow” is the headline word, don’t go hunting for the sled just yet.

• The Forecast: We’re looking at very light accumulation—less than 0.5” for most.

• The Transition: It’ll likely start as rain or a mix as temperatures hover near 40°F, switching to light snow as the air saturates.

• The Impact: Minimal. Because ground temperatures are relatively high and the intensity is low, travel impacts aren’t currently expected. The best chance for seeing white on the grass is north of I-64.

  

  Photo Credit: Pivotal Weather HRRR Forecast Model - Clipper System

2. Saturday: The Main Event (And It’s Cold)

Once the clipper exits, the real story begins. A massive pressure drop offshore will act like a vacuum, pulling down brutal Arctic air and cranking up the wind.

Photo Credit: National Weather Service Office in Wakefield

• The Winds: A High Wind Watch is in effect for the Eastern Shore, where gusts could hit 50–55 mph. Areas east of I-95 should prepare for gusts between 35–50 mph.

• The Cold: This isn’t just “jacket weather.” An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for the Eastern Shore.

• Wind Chills: On Saturday night, wind chills are forecast to plunge as low as -10°F. Even during the day Saturday, “feels like” temperatures will struggle to leave the single digits in the north.

  

  Photo Credit: Pivotal Weather ECMWF Forecast Model - Saturday High

3. The Light at the End of the Tunnel

If you can make it through Sunday morning, there is a massive reward waiting on the other side. For the first time in nearly 15 days, we are going to see a significant pattern shift.

• Next Week: Temperatures are expected to climb into the 50s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

  

  Photo Credit: Pivotal Weather ECMWF Forecast Model - Tuesday High

• The Great Thaw: This warmup will finally melt away the stubborn ice and snow packs that have lingered over the last two weeks.

  

  Photo Credit: Climate Prediction Center

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Bottom Line: Keep the faucets dripping and the pets inside Saturday night. It’s going to be a rough 36 hours, but spring-like relief is only a few days away.

Current Watches & Warnings:

• High Wind Watch: Eastern Shore (Sat/Sat Night)

• Extreme Cold Watch: Eastern Shore (Wind chills to -10°F)

• Expected: Wind and Cold Weather Advisories for areas east of I-95.