MARYLAND — Maryland has a well-documented history of receiving heavy snowfall from single winter storm systems in January, including events that have produced a foot of snow or more in parts of the state.
While such storms are not annual occurrences, historical weather records show that they are a realistic and recurring part of the region’s winter climate, according to the National Weather Service.
January is one of Maryland’s coldest months, with average temperatures frequently low enough to support all-snow precipitation, particularly during strong winter systems.
The state’s location along the East Coast places it in a zone where large-scale storms, such as nor’easters, can draw moisture from the Atlantic Ocean while tapping cold air from the north. When these ingredients align, prolonged periods of moderate to heavy snow can occur over a wide area.
Past storms demonstrate this potential clearly. Maryland has experienced multiple January events in which widespread snowfall totals reached or exceeded 12 inches within a single storm. These systems typically moved slowly, allowing snow to fall for many hours, sometimes more than a full day. In some cases, snowfall rates exceeded one inch per hour for extended periods, contributing to rapid accumulation.
Geography also plays a role. Central and western portions of Maryland, as well as areas away from the immediate Chesapeake Bay shoreline, are more likely to see higher snow totals during major winter storms. Cold air tends to remain in place longer inland, reducing the chance of snow changing to rain or sleet during a storm.
Long-term climate data shows that while lighter snow events are more common, Maryland’s winter weather history includes enough significant January storms to establish that a foot of snow from a single system is well within historical precedent. These events remain infrequent but are neither rare nor unprecedented in the state’s recorded weather history.
