Winter Weather — Frederick, Maryland

2026-01-01 · Frederick, Maryland

Event narrative

A snow squall produced a quick coating to inch of snow. Visibilities were below one quarter of a mile and winds gusted to 30 mph.

Wider weather episode

A moisture rich Alberta Clipper moved into the Appalachians during the late afternoon of December 31. Ahead of the snow, light freezing drizzle developed resulting in a glaze of ice. Light to moderate snow developed through the late afternoon and continued steadily through the evening. Just after midnight, a snow squall along an Arctic Front moved through. Thundersnow was observed with this band as it dropped a quick 1-2 in about a half an hour. Total snow accumulations for the event were four to nine inches in western Maryland. Winds gusted to 45 mph resulting in significant blowing and drifting snow. Further east, a snow squall along an Arctic front brought a quick coating in inch or snow.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1299860. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.