Freezing Fog Expected in Maryland Thursday Morning, Creating Risk for Slick Roads and Low Visibility

MARYLAND — A Developing Freezing Fog Setup Early Thursday, A stretch of cold weather combined with fresh snow on the ground is setting the stage for freezing fog early Thursday morning across Maryland, according to new high-resolution model guidance. The concern comes as warmer air attempts to move north, creating conditions favorable for supercooled fog droplets that can freeze instantly on contact with cold surfaces.

Models show widespread low visibilities ranging from less than a mile to near zero in spots, especially from central Maryland into parts of southern Pennsylvania. Temperatures at 7 a.m. Thursday are projected to sit in the 20s and low 30s, keeping road surfaces cold enough for ice formation.

What Freezing Fog Means for Drivers

“Freezing fog” forms when tiny water droplets remain in a liquid state even below 32°F. When these droplets touch cold roads, bridges, sidewalks, or vehicles, they quickly freeze into a thin glaze of ice, slicker and more dangerous than normal frost.

This type of icing can occur without any additional precipitation, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate.

Key impacts Thursday morning may include:

• Sudden slick spots, especially on untreated or shaded roads
• Icy bridges and overpasses where air circulates beneath the pavement
• Reduced visibility, complicating morning travel
• Increased risk for early-morning accidents

Model Data: Visibility and Temperatures Support Icing Risk

The NAM 3 km model highlights the potential hazard:

• Visibility values drop to near zero in many areas at 13z (8 a.m.) Thursday
• Surface temperatures remain below freezing, especially north of Baltimore and into Pennsylvania
• Warmer air trying to move north creates a temperature inversion, a classic setup for freezing fog

These ingredients combined make Thursday morning a period to watch closely.

When Conditions Improve

Temperatures are expected to gradually warm later in the morning, likely ending the freezing fog threat by midday. However, even a brief period of freezing fog can create notable disruption during the morning commute.

Residents and commuters across Maryland should:

• Allow extra travel time Thursday morning
• Drive slowly and watch for transparent ice
• Use low beams in foggy conditions
• Be cautious even if roads look clear

Looking Ahead

While Thursday brings a brief thaw later in the day, the pattern remains active across the Mid-Atlantic with additional temperature swings and potential storm systems on the horizon. More updates will follow as new data arrives.

Thank you for reading ChicagoMusicGuide.com. Stay tuned for more regional weather updates and safety coverage.