MARYLAND — A snowfall of up to a foot from a single weather system in March is uncommon in Maryland, but historical weather data shows that it is still possible when the right weather pattern develops.
March is typically a transition month between winter and spring across Maryland, according to the National Weather Service.
Average temperatures begin to rise across much of the state, particularly in southern and coastal areas. However, cold air can still move into the Mid-Atlantic region during this time of year. When that colder air combines with a strong storm system and ample moisture, significant snowfall can still occur.
Historical records show that Maryland has experienced several notable March snowstorms capable of producing double-digit snowfall totals. One of the most significant examples was the 1993 Storm of the Century, which produced widespread heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions across the eastern United States. Parts of western Maryland saw well over a foot of snow during that event.
More recent late-season snowstorms have also brought substantial accumulations to the state. In March 2017, a powerful Nor’easter tracked up the East Coast and produced heavy snow in portions of Maryland, particularly in western areas and parts of central Maryland where colder temperatures allowed snow to accumulate quickly.
Geography also plays a role in how much snow falls across the state. Western Maryland, including higher elevation areas in the Appalachian Mountains, is more likely to see heavier snow totals because colder air tends to linger there longer than in lower elevations closer to the Chesapeake Bay.
While heavy snow becomes less common as spring approaches, past climate data shows that Maryland can still experience significant winter storms in March. Under the right combination of cold air, moisture, and storm track, a single weather system is capable of producing snowfall totals approaching or exceeding a foot in parts of the state.
