Maryland and Washington, D.C. Winter Storm Warning: Baltimore Could See 8–12 Inches While DC Braces for 5–8 Inches Sunday Into Monday
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A developing winter storm is expected to impact Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning, with early snowfall projections calling for 5–8 inches in DC and 8–12 inches across the Baltimore metro area. Forecasters stress that totals may shift slightly as models continue trending west, but confidence is increasing in a disruptive snow event across the region.
Snowfall Forecast for Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Current projections outline a clear snowfall gradient across the region:
- 1–3 inches across far western zones near Harrisonburg and parts of the Shenandoah Valley
- 3–5 inches around Cumberland, Winchester, and nearby inland communities
- 5–8 inches across Washington, D.C., Frederick, Leesburg, Manassas, La Plata, and surrounding suburbs
- 8–12 inches in the Baltimore metro area, including Westminster, Bel Air, Annapolis, and northern Baltimore County
The most significant totals currently focus on the Baltimore corridor, where colder air and stronger lift may enhance snowfall rates. Purple shading in forecast maps signals higher confidence in double-digit totals north and northeast of Washington, D.C.
Why Snow Totals Could Shift Before Sunday
The biggest uncertainty remains the exact storm track. A subtle westward shift in the coastal low would push heavier snow bands farther inland, increasing totals for Washington, D.C., Frederick, Manassas, and southern Maryland. If the system trends east instead, the heaviest snow may stay concentrated near and north of Baltimore, slightly trimming totals in DC.
Forecasters are monitoring:
- Coastal low strengthening and placement
- Upper-level energy phasing
- Temperature profiles near the Chesapeake Bay
- Potential banding zones that could locally exceed forecast amounts
Even small adjustments can move the 8–12 inch zone 20–40 miles, dramatically changing impacts for specific communities.
Sunday Afternoon Through Monday Morning Travel Impacts
Timing will play a major role in disruption. Snow is expected to begin Sunday afternoon, intensify through the evening, and continue overnight into early Monday morning. That window overlaps with weekend return travel and the Monday commute.
Potential impacts include:
- Hazardous road conditions along I-95, I-70, I-83, I-495, and other major highways
- Reduced visibility during heavier snowfall bursts
- Flight delays at airports serving Washington, D.C. and Baltimore
- Metro and commuter rail slowdowns
- Possible localized power outages if snowfall becomes heavy and wet
Travel conditions are expected to worsen quickly once snowfall rates increase Sunday evening.
Baltimore vs. DC: Who Gets the Heaviest Snow?
At this stage, Baltimore, Maryland appears most likely to receive the highest totals, with 8–12 inches projected across much of the metro. Areas north toward Bel Air and Westminster may see especially steady snowfall.
Washington, D.C. is currently forecast in the 5–8 inch range, which still qualifies as a significant winter storm for the city. However, if model trends continue west, DC’s totals could increase.
The key dividing line between moderate and heavy snow will depend on where the strongest snow bands set up overnight Sunday.
How to Prepare for the Maryland and DC Winter Storm
With confidence growing in a plowable snowfall event, preparation should begin before Sunday afternoon:
- Charge devices and backup batteries
- Stock essential supplies for 24–48 hours
- Avoid unnecessary Sunday evening travel
- Monitor local updates for revised snow totals
- Check venue announcements if attending concerts or events
Residents across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia should remain alert for forecast adjustments as updated data becomes available.
As this Sunday into Monday winter storm approaches, ChicagoMusicGuide.com will continue providing updates on snowfall totals, travel impacts, and how weather may affect concerts and events across the region.