In this article, we will address everything you need to know about the earliest and latest first snow dates in the state of Maryland. We will even go over when snow typically falls on average and how much snow Maryland usually gets during the months of November, December, and January. Let’s get started and talk all about winter in Maryland now!
Understanding First Snow in Maryland
Resting alongside the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland doesn’t experience as much snow as other locations in the United States. However, the majority of the state still sees above-average amounts of snow during the wintertime, averaging anywhere from 30 to 100 inches annually. While this certainly doesn’t seem like much compared to states like New Hampshire and Utah, Maryland still gets cold and snowy during December and January in particular! In fact, the westernmost portions of Maryland frequently see an average of 100-200 inches each and every year. But when was the earliest date that Maryland ever saw snow, and how cold is it there on average? Let’s take a closer look at the figures.
Earliest and Latest Snowfalls in Maryland
Generally speaking, Maryland typically sees its first snow during the month of December, but occasionally November will herald the beginning of winter. However, October 10th, 1979 was the first ever snow for that winter season, and it is the earliest date on record for the first snow in Maryland. When you consider the fact that Maryland typically doesn’t get snow until 2 months later, October 10th is a very early date! In direct contrast to this date, December 28th, 1993 has been recorded as the latest first snowfall date in Maryland. This may still be considered an average first snowfall date for much of the state, but precipitation typically occurs much earlier on average. However, temperatures and overall precipitation in the state definitely effects when the first snowfall occurs. This is especially true when abnormal weather conditions occur – let’s talk about those now.
Largest and Smallest Snowfalls in Maryland
Very few things can prepare a state for excess snowfall and winter weather conditions. However, in the 2010 winter season, much of the East Coast was slammed with what is now referred to as a snowmageddon. Some portions of Maryland saw 77 inches during the 2010 season, far exceeding their average. Many people report that this record-breaking snowstorm was the most snow they have ever seen in their entire lives, particularly people who have lived in Maryland for decades. Speaking of these extremes, the 2010 snowstorm brought over 300 inches of snow to annual totals in western counties in Maryland, particularly Garrett County and locations near the Great Lakes. In direct contrast to this, the year 1950 brought less than a single inch of snow to the state of Maryland. When you consider that 2010 had more snow than necessary, perhaps the year 1950 was a more welcome winter by comparison!
Winter Temperatures in Maryland
For the most part, the average temperatures in Maryland don’t change very much from north to south within the state. However, as you move away from the Chesapeake Bay and the Maryland coastline, you will notice that temperatures do indeed warm up, particularly in the wintertime. When comparing Baltimore with other, more northern locations within the state, temperatures fluctuate by an average of 5 to 10 degrees. For example, northern Maryland locations experience winter temperatures of roughly 25 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The coastline and towns near Baltimore experience average temperatures of 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, depending. The locations nearest the water have the most protection from cold climates and winter weather, but this still doesn’t prevent icy and frigid conditions!
Winter Wildlife in Maryland
Whether you plan on skiing or hiking in Maryland during the wintertime, this state has plenty to offer in terms of its wildlife. If you are an avid outdoor enthusiast, here are some of the animals that you might see while traversing the winter terrain found throughout Maryland:
BadgersChipmunksDeerOpossumsRabbitsHawksBeaversWoodpeckers
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