Strong winds, much colder in Maryland on Tuesday

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

A First Alert Weather Day remains in effect for Maryland through Tuesday due to strong winds. While the week ahead is expected to be relatively quiet weather-wise, temperatures will remain colder than average.

High Winds Impact Maryland

A High Wind Warning is currently in effect for Garrett and Allegany Counties through Tuesday afternoon. Wind gusts in these areas could exceed 70 MPH at mountain peaks and 60 MPH at lower elevations.

The remainder of the state is under a Wind Advisory tonight into Tuesday. These winds could cause tree damage and lead to isolated power outages.

Did You Know? A High Wind Warning indicates that sustained winds of 39 mph or greater, or gusts of 58 mph or greater, are expected.

Winds are expected to continue into Tuesday, beginning with temperatures in the 20s. The wind chill will make it feel like temperatures are in the single digits or teens for many. While winds will gust between 40 and 45 mph early Tuesday, they are expected to subside throughout the day, potentially dropping to around 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday’s high temperatures are forecast to reach the low to mid-30s, but the wind will make it feel like the low to mid-20s. Unlike Monday, when temperatures decreased throughout the afternoon, temperatures are expected to peak later in the day on Tuesday.

Power Outages Reported

BGE reported that thousands of customers experienced power outages on Monday as a result of wind gusts downing trees and limbs. As of 9 p.m. Monday, service had been restored to over 14,500 customers, but approximately 10,000 remained without power.

Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel counties were the most heavily impacted areas. A BGE spokesperson indicated that additional power outages are likely into Tuesday.

Customers can check for outages in their community here: https://www.bge.com/outages/experiencing-an-outage/outage-map

Expert Insight: Prolonged high wind events can strain power grids, and even moderate gusts can cause significant disruptions when combined with saturated ground from recent precipitation, increasing the risk of trees falling.

Looking Ahead to New Year’s Eve

Breezy conditions are expected to continue through New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, though winds will not be as strong as they have been. Temperatures around midnight in Baltimore are forecast to be in the lower 30s, but will feel like the 20s. The forecast calls for partly cloudy and dry conditions for New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s Day.

As 2026 begins, another cold air mass will move in. Thursday is expected to be breezy with temperatures struggling to reach freezing. A few snow showers are possible, but significant accumulations are not anticipated. A cold weather pattern is expected to persist for the first few days of the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are under a High Wind Warning?

A High Wind Warning is in effect for Garrett and Allegany Counties through Tuesday afternoon.

How many customers were without power as of Monday evening?

As of 9 p.m. Monday, approximately 10,000 BGE customers were still without power.

What is the forecast for New Year’s Eve in Baltimore?

The forecast for New Year’s Eve in Baltimore is partly cloudy and dry, with temperatures in the lower 30s, but feeling like the 20s.

How might you prepare for potentially hazardous weather conditions in your community?

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