Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Remain Colder Than Normal After Frigid December Start as Southern Plains Hold the Warmest Pattern

UNITED STATES — Temperature anomaly data shows a clear regional split developing across the country as December progresses, with the Mid-Atlantic — led by Maryland — continuing to run colder than normal, while the Southern Plains stand out as the warmest region relative to average. Although the harshest cold is expected to relax slightly in the coming weeks, no major warm-up (“torch”) is indicated for the Mid-Atlantic, keeping winter firmly in place.

Maryland Records One of Its Coldest Early-December Stretches in Years

The most impacted area based on the data is Maryland, particularly the Baltimore region, where the first half of December has been unusually cold.

Temperature analysis shows:

• The first 14 days of December averaged 8.3 degrees below normal in Baltimore
• This marks one of the colder early-December periods in recent years
• Persistent cold has supported early snow and limited melting

As the summary notes:

“The first 14 days of December ran 8.3 degrees below normal for Baltimore. That’s cold.”

This cold start has set the tone for winter conditions across much of the Mid-Atlantic.

Cold Pattern Eases Slightly, but No Major Warm-Up Ahead

Looking ahead, forecast guidance suggests a gradual relaxation of the most intense cold over the next few weeks in Maryland and the broader Mid-Atlantic, but temperatures are still expected to remain below or near seasonal averages.

Key points from the outlook:

• Cold anomalies shrink but do not disappear
• No sustained above-normal warmth is shown
• Winter remains dominant rather than breaking down

Forecasters caution:

“This is not a ‘torch’ pattern for the Mid-Atlantic.”

That means any moderation will be modest, not a true warm spell.

Southern Plains Stand Out as the Warmest Region Relative to Normal

In contrast, the Southern Plains emerge as the warmest area in the temperature anomaly maps, with above-normal temperatures persisting through the late-December period.

This region shows:

• Consistent positive temperature anomalies
• The strongest relative warmth compared to climatology
• A clear separation from colder conditions farther east and north

While this warmth may influence storm tracks, it does not appear strong enough to dislodge winter across the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast.

Northeast and Great Lakes Stay on the Cold Side

Beyond Maryland, the Northeast and Great Lakes regions continue to trend colder than normal, reinforcing a broader eastern cold pool.

Data highlights:

• Below-normal temperatures across interior Northeast states
• Cold air persistence favorable for snow retention
• No signal of sustained warmth pushing into these regions

This setup keeps additional snow chances on the table, even if storms are spaced out.

As the outlook notes:

“More snow? It’s possible.”

What This Pattern Means Going Forward

The temperature setup suggests:

• Winter remains firmly established in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
• Short breaks are possible, but no extended thaw is expected
• Snow potential remains viable where systems align

While the cold may not be as extreme as early December, conditions still favor a wintry finish to the month, especially compared to recent years.

WaldronNews.com will continue monitoring temperature trends and winter signals across the Mid-Atlantic, Southern Plains, and Northeast. If your area remains colder than normal or sees additional snowfall later this month, share your local conditions with WaldronNews.com to help keep readers informed.