Maryland Braces for Bitter Arctic Blast as Frigid Air Surges Into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. Early Next Week

MARYLAND — A powerful surge of Arctic air is set to sweep across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States early next week, bringing bitter overnight lows, dangerous wind chills, and the coldest temperatures of the season so far for millions — including residents throughout Maryland.

According to new model guidance, a frigid air mass will dive southeastward from Canada beginning late Sunday, tightening its grip on Maryland by Monday morning and becoming even more severe heading into early Tuesday. Meteorologists warn that this pattern marks the beginning of a prolonged cold outbreak affecting much of the central and eastern United States.

Arctic Air Pushes Directly Into Maryland

The latest temperature anomaly maps show an intense pocket of well-below-normal temperatures spilling into the Mid-Atlantic. Large sections of Maryland are expected to run 10–20°F below normal, with colder pockets possible in western and northern parts of the state.

The coldest period is expected Monday night into Tuesday morning, when many areas may wake up to:

• Wind chills near or below zero in western Maryland
• Single-digit wind chills across central and northern Maryland
• Bitterly cold morning lows statewide

Forecasters emphasize that this is not a short-lived event — instead, a reinforced cold pattern will linger through the late week and upcoming weekend.

Widespread National Chill Creates Strong Temperature Divide

The broader national map reveals a striking contrast:

• The central and eastern U.S. plunge into deep cold, including Maryland.
• Meanwhile, parts of the western U.S. warm significantly above average.

This sharp atmospheric divide is helping funnel Arctic air straight into the Mid-Atlantic corridor with unusually strong intensity for mid-December.

Cold Pattern “Means Business,” Experts Say

Meteorologists reviewing the updated model runs described this Arctic push as one that “means business,” noting that the cold pattern is expected to continue and possibly strengthen as the week progresses.

Wind patterns in the upper atmosphere are helping lock this cold dome in place, limiting the return of warmer air and increasing the risk of:

• Hard freezes
• Hazardous early-morning commutes
• Energy demand spikes
• Potential light snow or flurries if weak disturbances pass through the region

Maryland Residents Urged to Prepare Early

With temperatures dropping sharply and remaining low across multiple days, state officials and forecasters advise Maryland residents to take precautions now.

Recommended preparations include:

• Protecting exposed pipes during overnight lows
• Bringing pets indoors
• Checking on elderly neighbors or family members
• Ensuring adequate home heating supplies

While no major winter storm is attached to this cold wave at the moment, the strength of the Arctic air mass alone poses safety concerns — especially during early morning hours.

Extension Into the Following Weekend Likely

The cold pattern is not expected to break quickly. Long-range indicators show that Marylands temperatures will remain well below average through the weekend, with minor warmups failing to overcome the overall Arctic influence.

Meteorologists will continue monitoring for additional disturbances that could bring light snow or freezing drizzle as cold air remains firmly in place.

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