MARYLAND — While May is typically associated with mild and warming spring weather, historical climate records show that measurable snowfall, though highly unusual, is not impossible in Maryland.
Data from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate that average May temperatures in Maryland generally range from the upper 60s to mid-70s for daytime highs, with overnight lows typically remaining well above freezing.
However, rare late-season cold air outbreaks have historically pushed temperatures low enough to support snow under the right conditions.
Meteorologists explain that snowfall in May requires a specific and uncommon combination of atmospheric factors.
A strong intrusion of cold air from Canada must move into the Mid-Atlantic region, coinciding with a system that provides sufficient moisture and lift. If temperatures throughout the atmosphere drop below freezing, precipitation can fall as snow instead of rain—even during late spring.
In Maryland, the highest likelihood of such an event would occur in the western part of the state, particularly in elevated areas such as the Appalachian region, including Garrett County and Allegany County.
These higher elevations tend to be cooler than the rest of the state, making them more susceptible to late-season cold snaps. Lower elevations, including central and eastern Maryland, would be far less likely to see measurable snowfall in May due to generally warmer temperatures.
Documented cases of May snowfall in Maryland are extremely limited. When they have occurred, they have typically involved very light accumulations or trace amounts, most often during the early part of the month. Any snow that does fall usually melts quickly due to warm ground temperatures and increasing solar radiation during longer daylight hours.
Climatologists emphasize that such events fall within the range of natural climate variability during seasonal transitions. While exceedingly rare, measurable snowfall in Maryland during May has occurred under unusual conditions and cannot be completely ruled out based on historical precedent.
In summary, although May in Maryland is overwhelmingly characterized by springlike weather, historical data confirm that brief and minor snowfall events are possible, particularly in higher elevations, with little to no lasting impact.
